Rare ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace Skies on March 3, 2026

A rare total lunar eclipse, often called a “blood moon” due to its distinctive reddish hue, will be visible across North America, Australia and New Zealand on March 3, 2026. This celestial event marks the last total lunar eclipse for nearly three years, with the next one not occurring until New Year’s Eve 2028, visible primarily in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

What is a Blood Moon?

A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon doesn’t disappear completely. Instead, it often takes on a deep coppery-red color. This phenomenon occurs because some sunlight is bent through the Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the moon, with red wavelengths being less affected by the atmospheric filtering process – similar to the colors seen during sunsets and sunrises. Time and Date explains this effect in detail.

When and Where to View the Eclipse

The timing of the eclipse varies depending on location:

Australia

• Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart – starts 10:04 pm, ends 11:02 pm
• Brisbane – starts 9:04 pm, ends 10:02 pm
• Adelaide – starts 9:34 pm, ends 10:32 pm
• Darwin – starts 8:34 pm, ends 9:32 pm
• Perth – starts 7:04 pm, ends 8:02 pm

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the eclipse will reach its peak shortly after midnight on March 3rd, and will be visible throughout the country. The Guardian reports that anyone who can see the moon will be able to witness the eclipse.

North America

• New York, Washington DC – starts 3:44 am, ends about 6:30 am
• Detroit – starts 3:44 am, ends 7:06 am
• New Orleans, Chicago – starts 2:44 am, ends about 6:24 am
• San Francisco, Los Angeles – starts 12:44 am, ends about 6:23 am

Other International Cities

• Tokyo – starts 5:44 pm, ends 11:23 pm
• Beijing – starts 6:00 pm, ends 10:23 pm
• Manila – starts 5:57 pm, ends 10:23 pm
• Jakarta – starts 6:06 pm, ends 9:23 pm

Tips for Viewing

Astrophysicist Dr. Rebecca Allen of Swinburne University recommends finding a dark location away from city lights to get the best view. Allowing your eyes 10 to 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness will also enhance visibility. Wutshot highlights this advice.

During the eclipse, Jupiter will also be visible in the sky, creating a striking celestial pairing.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Historically, blood moons have held various cultural meanings. The Inca people believed a blood moon signified a jaguar attacking the moon, even as in ancient Mesopotamia, it was seen as a threat to the king. Native American tribes, such as the Luiseño from California, performed healing rituals during lunar eclipses, believing the moon was wounded. PBS details these historical interpretations.

The March full moon is traditionally known as the “worm moon,” marking the return of life in the northern hemisphere’s soils.

Future Eclipses

While this total lunar eclipse will be a spectacular sight, viewers won’t have to wait too long for another opportunity to witness a lunar event. A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28, 2026, though visibility will be limited in Australia and New Zealand. The next total lunar eclipse visible in North America will occur in June 2029.