Total lunar eclipse on Mar 3 to create rare ‘Blood Moon’ sunrise view

Spring skies are set to deliver one of the most unusual celestial events of the year as a total lunar eclipse unfolds on March 3, 2026, offering skywatchers the rare chance to witness a blood-red Moon and the rising Sun at the same time.The phenomenon, known as a selenelion, is made possible by atmospheric refraction — a natural optical effect in which Earth’s atmosphere bends light as it travels toward the observer. Because of this bending, objects that are technically just below the horizon can appear slightly lifted above it. During this brief window, both the eclipsed Moon and the Sun may be visible together, even though geometrically one should already be out of sight.
According to sources,the total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (12 Phalguna, 1947 Saka Era). In certain parts of the world, particularly along the Pacific Rim and portions of western North America, observers may see the dramatic overlap during early morning hours. To catch both the blood moon and sunrise together, the ideal viewing window is approximately 6:04 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. EST.Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, much of Japan, and eastern Siberia will experience the eclipse during convenient evening hours. Central Asia and western Australia will see the Moon rise during the eclipse, adding to the visual spectacle.The eclipse will be visible from most parts of India, except for some locations in the extreme western region of the country. In general, the eclipse will begin at 15:20 IST and conclude at 18:48 IST.The totality phase when the entire Moon passes into Earth’s umbral shadow and turns red  will begin at 16:34 IST and end at 17:33 IST. The magnitude of the eclipse is calculated at 1.155, indicating a deep total eclipse.Most locations in India will observe the ending phase of the eclipse at moonrise. However, parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will also witness the end of the totality phase.The eclipse will be visible across eastern Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean region, and the Americas.
Why This Celestial Event Matters
A total lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon day when Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, aligning all three celestial bodies. During a total eclipse, the entire Moon enters Earth’s umbral shadow, giving it a reddish hue, commonly called a “blood moon.” The red colour results from sunlight scattering through Earth’s atmosphere and bending toward the Moon.What makes the March 3 eclipse exceptional is the rare pairing of totality with sunrise in certain regions. The selenelion effect blends celestial mechanics with atmospheric optics, creating a spectacle few get to witness.Astronomers note that this will be one of the most widely visible lunar eclipses until late 2028. The next lunar eclipse visible from India will occur on July 6, 2028, and it will be a partial lunar eclipse. The last lunar eclipse visible from India took place on September 7–8, 2025, and it was a total lunar eclipse.