Rare red moon to light up skies on March 3

Skywatchers around the world are set for a dramatic celestial display on March 3, as the first total lunar eclipse of 2026 transforms the full Moon into a glowing reddish orb.

The eclipse will occur when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. During totality, the Moon will take on a deep red-orange shade, a phenomenon commonly known as a “Blood Moon.”

According to NASA, a lunar eclipse happens only during a full Moon, when Earth’s shadow falls over it. As sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter while longer red and orange wavelengths continue toward the Moon, bathing it in a coppery glow.

The event will be visible across large parts of the globe, though viewing conditions will vary by region. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has outlined the eclipse timeline. The penumbral phase will begin at 1:44pm (PST), when the Moon enters Earth’s outer shadow and dims slightly. The partial eclipse will start at 2:50pm, followed by totality at 4:05pm. The peak is expected at 4:34pm, with totality ending at 5:03pm. The eclipse will conclude at 7:23pm.

Because much of the event will unfold during daylight hours in Pakistan, visibility will be limited in many areas. However, depending on local moonrise times and weather conditions, some observers may catch the later stages in the evening sky. Officials note that partial views may still be possible in certain cities.

Elsewhere, totality will be visible in the evening across eastern Asia and Australia, throughout the night over the Pacific region, and in the early morning hours in North and Central America as well as far western parts of South America. Observers in central Asia and much of South America will see a partial eclipse, while Africa and Europe will miss out on the spectacle entirely.

Astronomers emphasise that lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye. Clear skies and an unobstructed view of the Moon are all that is needed, though binoculars or a telescope can provide a more detailed look at the changing colours and shadowed surface.