Kolkata is preparing for a breathtaking celestial display as the final phase of a total lunar eclipse, also known as a “Blood Moon,” will be visible during moonrise on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. While the eclipse technically begins in the afternoon at 3:20 PM IST, it will only become visible to residents of the city once the Moon emerges above the eastern horizon at approximately 5:39 PM IST. Because the totality phase—where the Moon is completely swallowed by the Earth’s darkest shadow—concludes just minutes before moonrise at 5:33 PM, Kolkatans will miss the full “red” phase but will instead witness a dramatic partial eclipse. During this time, the Moon will appear with a significant “bite” taken out of it as it slowly exits the Earth’s umbral shadow. This visible concluding phase will last for about an hour and nine minutes, ending officially at 6:48 PM IST. According to the India Meteorological Department’s Positional Astronomical Centre in Kolkata, the event will be safe to watch with the naked eye, though binoculars are recommended for a clearer view of the shadow lifting from the lunar craters. This event is particularly significant as it marks the only lunar eclipse visible from India in 2026, with the next one not expected until July 2028. Astronomers suggest finding an elevated spot with an unobstructed view of the eastern sky to catch the Moon as it rises while still partially cloaked in shadow. As the final major astronomical event of the season, the March 3 eclipse offers a perfect opportunity for families and skywatchers to witness the cosmic alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon in real-time.
Kolkata to Witness Rare Lunar Eclipse on March 3
