Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: Moon Glows Crimson as It Passes Through Earth’s Shadow

Guwahati March 3, 2026: The much-awaited total lunar eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon, concluded on Tuesday evening after captivating skywatchers across multiple continents. The celestial event, also referred to as Chandra Grahan 2026, witnessed the Moon passing through Earth’s umbral shadow, taking on a deep reddish hue at the peak of totality.

During the eclipse, the Moon moved from right to left through the Earth’s shadow. At around 5:45 pm (IST), the Moon completed its totality phase and gradually began emerging from the shadow, marking the beginning of the partial exit stage. With this, the total phase of the lunar eclipse officially ended worldwide.

The eclipse was visible across India, Eastern Asia, Australia, and the Americas, though viewing conditions varied by region. In most parts of India, observers were able to witness only the concluding stages of the eclipse at moonrise. However, residents in parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were fortunate enough to catch glimpses of the final moments of totality before the Moon transitioned into the partial phase.

While skywatchers in several parts of Asia witnessed the closing phases live, much of the Americas had already seen the event conclude earlier in the day.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its darkest shadow — the umbra — onto the lunar surface. The distinctive red colour, which gives rise to the term “Blood Moon,” is caused by sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere and scattering shorter wavelengths, allowing red light to reach the Moon.

Astronomy enthusiasts and photographers across the globe marked the occasion by capturing striking images of the crimson Moon, making it one of the most talked-about celestial events of the year.

With the totality phase now over, the Moon has fully emerged from Earth’s shadow, bringing the rare and dramatic Blood Moon 2026 spectacle to a close.