Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace North American Skies on March 3
A total lunar eclipse, known as a 'blood moon,' will be visible across North America on March 3, 2026, offering a striking celestial display as the Moon turns a reddish hue.
On March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across North America, transforming the Moon into a reddish hue commonly referred to as a 'blood moon.' This celestial event occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that envelops the lunar surface.
The eclipse will commence with the penumbral phase at 3:44 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), followed by the partial eclipse at 4:50 a.m. ET. Totality, when the Moon is entirely within Earth's shadow, will begin at 6:04 a.m. ET and last until 7:02 a.m. ET. The event will conclude with the Moon exiting the penumbral shadow at 9:23 a.m. ET.
Observers in the western United States will have the advantage of viewing the entire eclipse, as the Moon will be high in the sky during totality. In contrast, those in the eastern regions may witness the Moon setting during the later stages of the eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes completely into Earth's umbral shadow, resulting in a reddish coloration due to sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon is safe to observe without any special equipment, though binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience.
This will be the only total lunar eclipse of 2026 and the last until December 31, 2028.