Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace Manitoba Skies on March 3
A total lunar eclipse will be visible across Manitoba early on March 3, 2026, offering residents a chance to witness the Moon turn a deep red hue without special equipment.
Residents of Manitoba will have the opportunity to observe a total lunar eclipse in the early hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The event will commence at approximately 2:44 a.m. CST, with the Moon entering Earth's penumbral shadow. The partial eclipse phase is expected to begin around 3:50 a.m. CST, leading up to totality from 4:58 a.m. to 6:09 a.m. CST, with the maximum eclipse occurring near 5:33 a.m. CST. The Moon is anticipated to set at approximately 7:14 a.m. CST.
During totality, the Moon will take on a reddish hue, commonly referred to as a "Blood Moon." This phenomenon occurs as the Moon passes through Earth's umbral shadow, with sunlight refracting through Earth's atmosphere and casting a red glow onto the lunar surface.
No special equipment is required to view the eclipse; it is safe to observe with the naked eye. However, weather conditions will play a crucial role in visibility. As of now, the forecast for Brandon, Manitoba, indicates mostly cloudy skies with temperatures around 4°F (-15°C) at 5:00 a.m. CST on March 3.
This will be the only total lunar eclipse visible from Manitoba in 2026, with the next one not occurring until December 31, 2028.