Nagpur: First lunar eclipse of the year 2026 will be seen soon, and it will be one of the longest eclipses of the year. The Moon will slowly turn dark and remain in shadow for more than three hours. For some time, the Moon may almost disappear from the sky, making the night much darker than usual.
This lunar eclipse will happen on the night of March 3 and early morning of March 4, 2026. The eclipse will start around 3:20 am and end by 6:47 am, lasting about 3 hours and 27 minutes. During this time, the Moon’s light will become weak and fade in different stages.The eclipse will not be visible in all parts of India. People in Northeast India, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and nearby areas, will be able to see it clearly. Other parts of the country may not get a clear view.
Many people in India follow traditional rules during an eclipse. The Sutak period will begin about 9 hours before the eclipse. During this time, people usually avoid religious ceremonies and other important work. After the eclipse, homes and temples are often cleaned as part of custom.
Scientists also pay close attention to lunar eclipses. These events help them study changes in the Moon’s color, brightness, and Earth’s shadow. Since this is the first lunar eclipse of 2026 and it lasts for a long time, it has created interest among both sky watchers and researchers.

