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Partial Lunar Eclipse in India on March 3, 2026: Details & Timings

A total lunar eclipse is set for March 3, 2026, but observers in India will only witness a partial phase as the Moon will be below the horizon during totality. The partial eclipse begins at 3:20 PM IST, with the total phase occurring between 4:34 PM and 5:32 PM, lasting 58 minutes. The India Meteorological Department confirms the eclipse will be visible across India, with the ending phase seen at moonrise in most regions. Experts clarify this celestial event will have no impact on the Holi festival.

Key Points: India to See Partial Lunar Eclipse March 2026: Timings & Visibility

  • Partial eclipse visible in India
  • Total eclipse visible from Americas & Australia
  • Begins 3:20 PM IST March 3
  • No effect on Holi festivities
  • IMD confirms eclipse magnitude 1.155
2 min read

Only a partial lunar eclipse will be visible in India: Birla Planetarium former Director Duari

A total lunar eclipse occurs March 3, 2026, but India will only see a partial phase. Get timings, visibility details, and expert insight from Dr. Debi Prasad Duari.

"From India, only a partial lunar eclipse will be visible... The full eclipse will mainly be visible from North America, Australia, and the Pacific. - Dr. Debi Prasad Duari"

Kolkata, March 3

Former Director at MP Birla Planetarium, Dr Debinrosad Duari, said that although a total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, skywatchers in India will only be able to witness a partial phase as the Moon will be below the horizon during the full eclipse.

Speaking to ANI, Former Director Dr Duari said, "On 3rd March, there will be a total lunar eclipse. However, from India, we will not be able to see the full eclipse as the moon will be below our horizon. From India, only a partial lunar eclipse will be visible... The full eclipse will mainly be visible from North America, Australia, and the Pacific."

He further elaborated on the timings of the celestial event, stating, "The partial eclipse will begin at around 3:20 pm Indian Standard Time, and the moon will slowly be covered by the Earth's shadow. By 4:34 pm, the total eclipse will begin and will last until 5:32 pm, meaning the moon will be fully in the Earth's shadow for 58 minutes. It will be a total lunar eclipse... This eclipse will not have any effect on Holi."

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a total lunar eclipse will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, across several time zones.

The phenomenon occurs when the entire Moon passes through the Earth's umbral shadow. A partial lunar eclipse, in contrast, takes place when only a part of the Moon moves into the Earth's shadow.

In a post on X, the IMD stated that the total lunar eclipse on March 3 will have a magnitude of 1.155. The eclipse will be visible across India, as well as in parts of Eastern Asia, Australia and the Americas.

In the Indian context, the visibility of the eclipse will vary by region. Most places in the country will observe the ending phase of the lunar eclipse at the time of moonrise. However, in parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the end of the totality phase will also be visible.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to know it won't affect Holi celebrations! That was my main concern. The science is fascinating though. Maybe we can catch a live stream from North America for the total phase.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the information is useful, I wish our media and scientists would focus more on promoting the partial eclipse we *can* see, rather than just highlighting what we'll miss. Let's make the most of it!
R
Rohit P
Planning a trip to the Andamans just got more interesting! If the end of totality is visible there, it might be worth it for astronomy enthusiasts. Anyone else thinking the same?
S
Sarah B
Living in Delhi, I'll still try to catch the partial eclipse at moonrise. It's a reminder of how vast our planet is—the same event happening but our view is dictated by our position. Amazing.
K
Karthik V
Clear and precise reporting. The timings (3:20 PM start) are helpful. Will set a reminder. Hope the weather is clear that day! 🤞

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