‘Blood Moon’ Tonight: When and How to Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse in India and Beyond

Skywatchers in India and several other regions will be treated to a spectacular celestial show on Sunday night as a total lunar eclipse — popularly called a “Blood Moon” — becomes visible across the country.

The eclipse will begin at 10:01 PM IST with the penumbral phase, reaching totality between 11:00 PM and 12:22 AM IST. During this time, the Moon will appear deep red as Earth’s shadow engulfs it, a phenomenon caused by atmospheric scattering of sunlight.

Asia, including India and China, will have prime viewing conditions, while eastern Africa and western Australia will also witness the full eclipse. Europe and much of Africa will see only a partial eclipse, while the Americas will miss the event entirely.

Unlike solar eclipses, the lunar eclipse can be safely viewed with the naked eye. This will be the year’s second total lunar eclipse and the longest since 2022, serving as a prelude to the highly anticipated total solar eclipse set for August 12, 2026, in parts of Europe.