The first total lunar eclipse of the year will take place on Tuesday and will be visible in Pakistan as well as various parts of the world.
According to the meteorological department, the celestial event will be a spectacular sight, with the moon taking on a reddish hue – commonly known as a “blood moon”.
In Pakistan, the eclipse begins at 1:44 p.m., while the partial phase starts at 2:50 p.m.
The total lunar eclipse begins at 4:05 p.m. and reaches its peak at 4:34 p.m., when the moon will be completely in the Earth’s shadow.
The meteorological department said that the total phase will start ending at 17.03, while the partial eclipse ends at 18.17. The lunar eclipse ends completely at 19:23.
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Experts say the eclipse will appear partially visible at moonrise in various cities of Pakistan, giving citizens a unique astronomical spectacle.
According to NASA’s “What’s Up: March 2026 Skywatching Tips,” a total lunar eclipse only occurs during a full moon, when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon and casts its shadow on the lunar surface.
The US space agency explained that during a total lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth and Moon align precisely, leaving the Moon completely enveloped in the Earth’s shadow (umbra).
NASA further noted that the Moon appears red – the so-called Blood Moon – because the Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight and bends reddish wavelengths onto the surface of the moon instead of leaving it completely dark.
The eclipse will also be visible in Asia, Australia, North and South America and several other regions.
Read more: Total lunar eclipse will be visible in Pakistan on March 3
Separately, NASA highlighted that March will feature other notable celestial events, including a close conjunction of Venus and Saturn on March 8 and the vernal equinox on March 20, which marks the nearly equal day and night worldwide.
Astronomers say no special glasses are required to see a lunar eclipse and it can be safely observed with the naked eye.
Citizens have been advised to enjoy the beautiful natural phenomenon under the open sky.
