Lunar eclipse on March 3: When to see the 'Blood Moon' safely in Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana

A total lunar eclipse — popularly called a Blood Moon — will unfold on Tuesday, turning the full moon a deep copper-red for nearly an hour. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the eclipse will be visible from most parts of India, including Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana.

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For residents of northwest India, however, the viewing experience comes with a catch: the eclipse begins and enters totality while the moon is still below the horizon. Moonrise in the region falls close to — or shortly before — the eclipse's final umbral phase, meaning skywatchers will catch the moon emerging from Earth's shadow, already bathed in a dark rust-red glow. The spectacle lasts only a short window before the eclipse ends at 18:48 IST, so timing and a clear eastern horizon are everything.

What is a total lunar eclipse?

It occurs on a full moon night when Earth positions itself directly between the sun and the moon, casting its umbral shadow over the entire lunar disc. Unlike a solar eclipse, it requires no special equipment to watch — naked-eye viewing is completely safe. The deep reddish hue comes from sunlight refracting through earth's atmosphere and bending onto the lunar surface — essentially every sunrise and sunset on earth, projected onto the moon simultaneously.

The eclipse is also visible from East Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean and the Americas, making it a global event. In India, only a few locations in the extreme western parts of the country will miss out entirely.

LUNAR ECLIPSE TIMELINE — INDIAN STANDARD TIME (IST)

15:20 — Eclipse begins. Moon enters earth's penumbral shadow. Subtle darkening, not yet dramatic.

16:34 — Total phase begins. Moon fully enters umbra. Blood Moon effect at its peak.

17:33 — Total phase ends. Moon begins emerging from umbral shadow.

18:19–18:30 — Moonrise over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Final umbral phase visible at the horizon.

18:48 — Eclipse ends completely. Moon exits Earth's shadow.

VISIBILITY — CITY BY CITY

Chandigarh

Moonrise: 18:19 | Eclipse ends: 18:48 | Window: 29 minutes

Punjab

Jalandhar moonrise: 18:25 | Window: 23 minutes

Amritsar moonrise: 18:30 | Window: 18 minutes

Haryana and Delhi NCR

North Haryana moonrise: 18:20 | Window: 28 minutes

Delhi/NCR moonrise: 18:25 | Window: 23 minutes

VIEWER'S ADVISORY AND TIPS

• No special equipment needed. Total lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye. Binoculars or a small telescope will reveal more colour and detail.
• Head out before 18:15 IST. Set up in an open area with a clear, unobstructed eastern horizon. Buildings and trees can block the low-rising moon and cut into your already narrow viewing window.
• The moon will appear darkened, not totally red. By moonrise, the total phase has ended. The moon will be in partial shadow — still distinctly reddish-orange at its edge — as it clears the horizon.
• Rural areas will have the best views. City light pollution dims the spectacle. Head to open fields, rooftops or hillsides away from urban glare for the richest colours.
• You have until 18:48 IST. After that, the moon exits Earth's shadow and returns to its normal bright white. Do not delay.
• Next chance: The next lunar eclipse visible from India is a partial one on July 6, 2028 — far less dramatic. Tonight's total eclipse is a rare event. The last total lunar eclipse from Indian skies was on September 7-8, 2025.

KEY FACTS

• Total duration of eclipse: 3 hours 28 minutes
• Total (Blood Moon) phase: 59 minutes
• Magnitude: 1.155
• Next lunar eclipse from India: 6 July 2028 (Partial)

(Source: IMD)