First lunar eclipse of 2026 occurs today: When and where to watch ‘Blood Moon’

2026-03-03 - 04:33

ISLAMABAD – The first total lunar eclipse or “Blood Moon” of 2026 is all set to take place today (3 March), providing a rare celestial event to the stargazers. During the eclipse, the moon will get reddish for a few moments, experts said while suggesting that a lunar eclipse is 100 percent safe to watch with the naked eye. The Climate Data Processing Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has confirmed that the lunar eclipse will occur on 3 March 2026. The event comes nearly two weeks after the first solar eclipse of 2026 which occurred on 17 February. However, it was not visible in Pakistan. Will Lunar Eclipse 2026 be Visible in Pakistan? According to the Met Office, the total lunar eclipse of 2026 will be partially visible at Moonrise time in Pakistan. Other Visibility Locations The major astronomical event will be visible from East in Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica. Lunar Eclipse Time in Pakistan The penumbral eclipse will begin at 13:44 Pakistan Standard Time (PST), followed by the start of the partial eclipse at 14:50 PST. The total eclipse will commence at 16:05 PST, reaching its maximum at 16:34 PST. The total eclipse will conclude at 17:03 PST, with the partial eclipse ending at 18:17 PST. The penumbral eclipse will end at 19:23 PST. Second Lunar Eclipse of 2026 The second lunar eclipse of the year will occur on 28th August, 2026. It will be visible in Europe, West in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Antarctica. It will not be visible in Pakistan.