Skywatchers around the world will be able to see the first total lunar eclipse of 2026 on March 3, when the full Moon will slowly darken and turn a deep red color during the event.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and causing the Moon to appear reddish-orange. This natural phenomenon is often called a “Blood Moon.”
According to NASA, a lunar eclipse takes place during a full Moon when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon’s surface. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, blue light scatters while red and orange light continues toward the Moon, giving it a copper-like glow during the total phase.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has shared the timing details for Pakistan. The penumbral phase will begin at 1:44pm Pakistan time, when the Moon enters the outer part of Earth’s shadow and starts to dim slightly. The partial eclipse will begin at 2:50pm, and totality will start at 4:05pm. The eclipse will reach its peak at 4:34pm, totality will end at 5:03pm, and the entire event will conclude at 7:23pm.
Because most of the eclipse will happen during daylight hours in Pakistan, it may not be clearly visible in many areas. However, people might be able to see the later stages in the evening, depending on when the Moon rises and the weather conditions. The PMD said the eclipse will be partially visible from some cities.
Around the world, the total eclipse will be visible in the evening in eastern Asia and Australia, throughout the night across the Pacific region, and in the early morning in North and Central America and the far western parts of South America. It will appear as a partial eclipse in central Asia and much of South America, while it will not be visible in Africa or Europe.
Astronomers explain that a lunar eclipse can be safely watched with the naked eye without any special equipment, as long as the sky is clear. Watching from a dark area away from bright city lights, or using binoculars or a telescope, can make the view even better.
