Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method, system, and sensing device for downhole measurements. The NMR device for characterizing a subterranean zone includes a tool body, a magnetic element, and a radio frequency coil. The tool body includes an uphole end and a downhole end, where a longitudinal axis extends through the uphole end and downhole end. The magnetic element is located within the tool body and generates a static magnetic field (B0) in a longitudinal direction at a region of the subterranean zone. The radio frequency coil is located within the tool body and generates a radio frequency magnetic field (B1). The magnetic element and the radio frequency coil enable a side-looking NMR mode.