Residents of Meghalaya are poised to observe the final stages of a total lunar eclipse on Tuesday evening, with conditions expected to be particularly favorable for viewing in the northeastern Indian state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts generally clear to partly cloudy skies over Shillong and surrounding areas, increasing the likelihood of unobstructed observation.
According to IMD officials, moonrise in Shillong is anticipated at 5:23 pm local time. While the totality phase of the eclipse will have largely concluded, observers will be able to witness the eclipse’s final stages, with the full eclipse concluding at 6:48 pm. This provides a viewing window of approximately one hour and 25 minutes from the moment the moon appears above the horizon. The end of the totality phase is expected at 5:33 pm.
“According to the current forecast, we expect generally clear to partly cloudy skies over Shillong and adjoining areas on Tuesday evening. This should allow people to witness the eclipse without major weather-related obstruction,” an IMD official stated on Monday.
Visibility, however, will be contingent on localized cloud cover at the time of moonrise. “If the eastern horizon remains clear around sunset, residents will be able to see the moon emerging from the Earth’s shadow with its characteristic reddish hue,” another IMD official explained.
The geographical location of Meghalaya and other northeastern states positions them advantageously for observing the concluding phase of the eclipse, while much of the rest of India will only see the final stages. Astronomy enthusiasts have noted that this lunar eclipse will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from India until 2028.
The IMD’s meteorological center in Shillong is located at 3rd Mile, Upper Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya – 793005. Contact can be made via phone at 7099066132 or (0364) 2911979, or by email at metshillong@gmail.com or mc.shillong@imd.gov.in.
As of February 22, 2026, the IMD reported light rain at isolated places across Meghalaya during the preceding 24 hours.
