Lunar Eclipse 2026: Check Moonrise Timings And Visibility Duration In Major Indian Cities

The first major lunar event of 2026 is set to illuminate the evening sky today. Coinciding with the festival of Holi, this rare celestial phenomenon is expected to create a striking visual spectacle, with the Moon appearing in a deep reddish glow as it rises.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth align in a straight line, with Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. During this alignment, Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, blocking direct sunlight.

Lunar Eclipse: Understanding The Different Phases

Lunar eclipses can be classified into three types- penumbral, partial and total, depending on how deeply the Moon moves into Earth's shadow.

•Penumbral Eclipse- The Moon passes through the outer part of Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra. The dimming is subtle and often difficult to notice with the naked eye.

•Partial Eclipse- A noticeable dark shadow appears on a portion of the Moon's surface, creating a distinct "bite" effect.

•Total Lunar Eclipse- The most dramatic phase, when the entire Moon is covered by Earth's umbra (the darkest part of the shadow). During this time, the Moon takes on a reddish or copper hue, which is often referred to as a "Blood Moon," due to sunlight bending through Earth's atmosphere and scattering red light onto the lunar surface.

Lunar Eclipse Timings (IST) In India

•First Contact with the Penumbra - 02:16 PM
•First Contact with the Umbra - 03:21 PM
•Total Phase Begins - 04:35 PM
•Maximum Eclipse - 05:04 PM
•Total Phase Ends - 05:33 PM
•Last Contact with the Umbra - 06:46 PM
•Last Contact with the Penumbra - 07:52 PM
Peak viewing window of lunar eclipse in India - 6:26 PM to 6:46 PM

Lunar Eclipse Visibility Across Indian Cities

The eclipse will be best observed in eastern parts of India, such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and West Bengal, where the Moon rises earlier. In other regions, visibility may be limited to the final stages.

Indian Cities	Timings (IST)	Eclipse Visibility Duration
Delhi	6:22 PM	25 minutes
Lucknow	5:55 PM	51 minutes
Patna	6:02 PM	45 minutes
Mumbai	6:21 PM	26 minutes
Bhopal	6:40 PM	7 minutes
Chennai	6:21 PM	25 minutes
Bengaluru	6:32 PM	20 minutes
Hyderabad	6:26 PM	14 minutes

Global Visibility

Beyond India, the lunar eclipse will also be visible in Australia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific region and parts of North and South America.

City	Timing
Los Angeles	3:04 AM
Denver	4:04 AM
Chicago	5:04 AM
St. Louis	5:04 AM
New York	6:04 AM
Washington	6:04 AM

How To Watch The Lunar Eclipse?

Watching a lunar eclipse does not require any special protective equipment, unlike a solar eclipse. However, a few simple steps can enhance the experience -

•Choose a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon, as the Moon will appear low in the sky during moonrise.
•Use binoculars or a small telescope to observe the changing colours and surface details more vividly.
•Select an open area away from city lights and pollution for the best clarity.

For those unable to step outside, several media organizations and space agencies are expected to provide live streams of the event online, allowing viewers to experience the celestial spectacle from the comfort of their homes.