Why is it in the news?
A total lunar eclipse will occur on 3rd March 2026.
Visible across most of India and multiple global regions.
Category: Geography
Important Points:
● Occurs when Sun, Earth and Moon align in straight line (syzygy) during full Moon
● Moon passes through Earth’s shadow
● Earth’s shadow has Umbra (full shadow) and Penumbra (partial shadow)
● Types: Penumbral, Partial, and Total lunar eclipse
● Total eclipse occurs when entire Moon enters umbra
● Visible from anywhere on Earth’s night side
● Safe to observe with naked eye
● “Blood Moon” appears reddish due to Rayleigh scattering
● Red wavelengths refracted by Earth’s atmosphere illuminate Moon