Blood Moon 2026: What to Know About the Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3
A total lunar eclipse, often called a “blood moon” due to the reddish hue the Moon takes on during totality, will grace the skies on the evening of March 3, 2026. This celestial event promises a captivating spectacle for skywatchers across a wide range of locations, from eastern Asia and Australia to North and Central America.
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, causing the Earth to pass between the Sun and the Moon and cast a shadow on the lunar surface. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye. During a partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the Moon passes into Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of the shadow). However, in a total lunar eclipse, the entire Moon is enveloped in the umbra.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
While one might expect the Moon to appear completely dark during a total lunar eclipse, Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight, bending some of it towards the Moon. This scattered light illuminates the Moon with an orange-reddish glow, giving rise to the term “blood moon.”
When and Where to See the Eclipse
The total phase of the lunar eclipse will last for approximately 58 minutes, from 11:04 to 12:03 UTC/GMT on March 3, with the maximum phase occurring at 11:33 UTC/GMT. The entire eclipse event, including all phases, will last for 5 hours and 39 minutes.
Visibility will vary depending on location:
- Eastern Asia and Australia: Visible in the evening of March 3.
- Pacific Region: Visible at night.
- North and Central America, and Western South America: Visible in the early morning hours.
Key Timings (UTC/GMT)
- Totality Begins: 11:04 UTC
- Maximum Eclipse: 11:33 UTC
- Totality Ends: 12:03 UTC
Other Skywatching Highlights in March 2026
March 2026 offers more than just a blood moon. On March 8, Venus and Saturn will appear close together in the evening sky in a conjunction. The vernal equinox, marking the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, will occur on March 20.
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