'Blood Moon' to grace the sky as year’s first total lunar eclipse occurs today
The first total lunar eclipse of the year will occur 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 will begin at 1:44pm, while the partial phase will start at 2:50pm.
The total lunar eclipse will begin at 4:05pm and reach its peak at 4:34pm, when the moon will be completely in the Earth’s shadow.
The Meteorological Department said the total phase will begin to end at 5:03pm, while the partial eclipse will conclude at 6:17pm. The lunar eclipse will end completely at 7:23pm.
Read: AI slop, lab-grown skin, and the tech expo shaping tomorrow
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 occurs only during a full Moon when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface.
What's up for March?
The Moon will appear red during a total lunar eclipse on March 3. On the 8th, Venus and Saturn snuggle close in the night sky. Plus, March 20 is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. More: https://t.co/Ohi4c6w6FR pic.twitter.com/KwWkJzxyvrThe US space agency explained that during a total lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and Moon align precisely, leaving the Moon fully enveloped in Earth’s shadow (umbra).
NASA further noted that the Moon appears red — the so-called Blood Moon — because Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight and bends reddish wavelengths onto the lunar surface rather than leaving it completely dark.
The eclipse will also be visible across Asia, Australia, North and South America, and several other regions.
Read More: Total lunar eclipse to be visible in Pakistan on March 3
Separately, NASA highlighted that March will feature other notable sky events, including a close conjunction of Venus and Saturn on March 8 and the vernal equinox on March 20, which marks nearly equal day and night worldwide.
Astronomers say no special eyewear is required to view 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.