What Is a Lunar Eclipse?A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, and Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

🌕 What Is a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, and Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.

This can only happen during a Full Moon — when the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up in a straight line.

There are three types:

1. Penumbral Eclipse – The Moon passes through Earth’s faint outer shadow (slight dimming).

2. Partial Eclipse – Part of the Moon enters the dark central shadow (a “bite” appears).

3. Total Lunar Eclipse – The entire Moon moves into Earth’s central shadow (this is what’s happening today).

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🔴 Why Does the Moon Turn Red? (“Blood Moon”)

Even when the Moon is completely inside Earth’s shadow, it doesn’t disappear. Instead, it turns reddish or copper-colored.

This happens because:

Sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere.

The atmosphere scatters blue light (same reason the sky is blue).

The red and orange light bends around Earth and reaches the Moon.

That red light reflects back to us.

So during totality, the Moon glows red — this is called a “Blood Moon.”

It’s the same effect that makes sunrises and sunsets red, but here the whole Earth is acting like a giant lens.

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🌍 What Is Happening Today (March 3, 2026)?

Today’s eclipse is a Total Lunar Eclipse, meaning:

The Moon fully entered Earth’s dark shadow.

In places where it was visible during totality, people saw the deep red Moon.

In Delhi, since the Moon rose after totality, you only see the final partial shadow phase.

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🧠 A Simple Visualization

Imagine:

The Sun is a flashlight.

The Earth is a ball blocking the light.

The Moon moves into the shadow behind Earth.

When it goes fully into the darkest part — that’s totality.