The celestial event known as the “Blood Moon” will be visible in Pakistan tonight, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will be partially visible in Pakistan at moonrise, while a total lunar eclipse will be observed in several other parts of the world.
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Lunar Eclipse 2026: Pakistan Timings (PST)
The Met Office shared the following schedule for Pakistan Standard Time (PST):
- Penumbral eclipse begins: 13:44 PST
- Partial eclipse begins: 14:50 PST
- Total eclipse begins: 16:05 PST
- Maximum eclipse: 16:34 PST
- Total eclipse ends: 17:03 PST
- Partial eclipse ends: 18:17 PST
- Penumbral eclipse ends: 19:23 PST
Officials said the eclipse will be partially visible in Pakistan at moonrise. The total lunar eclipse will be clearly visible in Australia and the Americas.
The eclipse will also be visible across parts of Europe, Asia, North America, South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic and Antarctica.
Why Is It Called a Blood Moon?
A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in a straight line. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon moves into Earth’s inner shadow, known as the umbra.
According to NASA, lunar eclipses occur during the full moon phase when Earth blocks sunlight from directly reaching the Moon.
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Despite being in Earth’s shadow, the Moon does not turn completely dark. Instead, it appears deep red. Astrophysicist Ryan Milligan from Queen’s University Belfast explained that the red color appears because sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.
Blue light scatters more easily in the atmosphere, while red light travels further. This filtered red light gives the Moon its “bloody” appearance during a total lunar eclipse.
Total vs Partial Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth, Moon and Sun are perfectly aligned. In this case, the Moon fully enters Earth’s umbra, creating the dramatic red color.
In a partial lunar eclipse, the alignment is not perfect. Only part of the Moon enters Earth’s shadow, and the red effect is less visible.
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Lunar eclipses have fascinated people for centuries and are considered safe to observe with the naked eye. Unlike solar eclipses, no special protective equipment is required.
The “Blood Moon” of 2026 is expected to attract skywatchers across Pakistan and around the world as it marks the first lunar eclipse of the year.
