Stargazers across the globe witnessed a breathtaking celestial show on March 3 as a rare total lunar eclipse transformed the moon into a striking crimson orb.
This phenomenon, famously known as a Blood Moon, occurred when the Earth passed directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a deep shadow over the lunar surface. For many in India, the event was a double celebration as it coincided with the festival of Holi.
WHY DID THE MOON TURN BLOOD RED?
The dramatic colour shift was the result of Rayleigh scattering. As the Earth blocked direct sunlight, our atmosphere filtered out shorter blue wavelengths but allowed longer red wavelengths to pass through.
This light bent around our planet and reflected onto the Moon, giving it a haunting coppery glow.
Nasa says that the exact shade of red depends on the amount of dust and clouds present in the Earth’s atmosphere at that specific time.
The eclipse began in the afternoon at 15:20 IST, but most of India had to wait for the moonrise to catch the action. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, the moon rose while already in the final stages of the eclipse, around 18:20 IST.
However, those in northeastern states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh enjoyed a much better view, as the moon rose earlier there, allowing them to witness the peak totality. The entire event officially concluded by 18:47 IST.
HOW DID PEOPLE CAPTURE THE PERFECT SHOT?
Since a lunar eclipse is perfectly safe for the naked eye, thousands of people flocked to rooftops and beaches across the country. Many used simple binoculars to see the lunar craters bathed in red light, while others relied on long-exposure photography to capture the vivid hues.
Experts suggested that viewing from darker, rural areas away from city lights made the 2026 Blood Moon appear significantly more intense and clear.
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