Pakistan to witness first full lunar eclipse of 2026 today

KARACHI: Pakistan will witness the first full lunar eclipse of 2026 on Tuesday, with the moon expected to appear reddish or copper-coloured due to the Earth’s shadow, the national space agency said.

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said the partial phase of the eclipse in Pakistan will begin at moonrise in various cities, offering skywatchers a chance to observe the celestial event shortly after sunset.

In Karachi, the moon is expected to rise at 6:36 p.m., with the maximum phase of the eclipse occurring at 6:49 p.m., according to SUPARCO’s schedule.

In Islamabad and parts of Punjab province, the partial eclipse will conclude at 6:17 p.m., while in Gilgit-Baltistan the event is likely to be most clearly visible, beginning at 5:59 p.m.

The final phase of the eclipse across the country will formally end at 7:23 p.m., the agency said.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. During a total eclipse, the moon can take on a reddish hue — often referred to as a “blood moon” — as sunlight is filtered and refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere.

SUPARCO advised the public that the eclipse can be safely viewed with the naked eye and does not require special protective equipment.