Total Lunar Eclipse to Create 'Blood Moon' on March 3, 2026

A total lunar eclipse is set to occur on March 3, 2026, casting the Moon in a reddish hue commonly referred to as a 'blood moon.' This celestial event will be visible across various regions, including parts of North America, the Pacific, and Asia.

The eclipse will commence with the penumbral phase at 3:44 a.m. EST, followed by the partial eclipse at 4:50 a.m. EST. Totality, when the Moon is entirely within Earth's umbra, will begin at 6:04 a.m. EST and last approximately 58 minutes, concluding at 7:02 a.m. EST. The entire event will span about five and a half hours, ending with the penumbral phase at 9:23 a.m. EST.

Visibility will vary by location. Observers in western North America, including states west of the Mississippi River, will have the opportunity to witness the entire eclipse. In contrast, those in the eastern regions may see the Moon setting during totality, limiting the view of the later stages.

No special equipment is required to observe the eclipse; a clear, unobstructed view of the sky is sufficient. For enhanced viewing, especially during totality, binoculars or a telescope can provide a more detailed experience.

This will be the first total lunar eclipse since September 2025 and the last until December 31, 2028, making it a notable event for skywatchers.

For those unable to view the eclipse directly, several organizations plan to livestream the event, offering global access to this astronomical phenomenon.