Total lunar eclipse today, moon to turn blood red

The sky will offer a rare and spectacular treat on Tuesday. A total lunar eclipse, popularly called a blood moon, will unfold tomorrow, turning the full moon a deep copper-red for an hour. The IMD has confirmed that the eclipse will be visible from most parts of India, including Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana.

For residents of North-West, however, the viewing experience comes with a catch: the eclipse begins and reaches 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.

Eclipse timeline

3.20 pm Eclipse begins. Moon enters earth’s penumbral shadow. Subtle darkening, not yet dramatic

4.34 pm Total phase begins. Moon fully enters umbra. Blood moon effect at its peak

5.33 pm Total phase ends. Moon begins emerging from umbral shadow

6.19–6.30 pm Moonrise over Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh. Final umbral phase visible at the horizon

6.48 pm Eclipse ends completely. Moon exits earth’s shadow

The next lunar eclipse visible from India is a partial one on July 6, 2028