Total lunar eclipse in the United States March 2026: Date, time and where to see the “blood moon”
A total lunar eclipse will be visible on March 3 in the United States and other parts of the world. Here's everything you need to know.
Just a few days after a planetary alignment appears in the evening sky, another astronomical event will take place on March 3 in the United States: a total lunar eclipse that will tint the Moon red, giving rise to the name “blood moon.”
What Is a lunar eclipse?
According to the NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), during a lunar eclipse the Earth’s shadow darkens the Moon. Lunar eclipses occur during the full moon phase.
“When Earth is positioned precisely between the Moon and Sun, Earth’s shadow falls upon the surface of the Moon, dimming it and sometimes turning the lunar surface a striking red over the course of a few hours,” the agency explains. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire surface of the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow cone.
Why does the Moon turn red during a lunar eclipse?
NASA explains that the Moon’s reddish color during a lunar eclipse is caused by the same phenomenon that makes the sky appear blue and sunsets appear orange.
“Sunlight appears white, but it actually contains a rainbow of components—and different colors of light have different physical properties. Blue light scatters relatively easily as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere. Reddish light, on the other hand, travels more directly through the air,” the agency notes.
“During a lunar eclipse, the Moon appears red or orange because any sunlight that’s not blocked by our planet is filtered through a thick slice of Earth’s atmosphere on its way to the lunar surface. It’s as if all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon,” NASA adds.
Where will the total lunar eclipse of March 3 be visible?
On Tuesday, March 3, totality will be visible at sunset from East Asia and Australia, throughout the night across the Pacific Ocean, and in the early morning hours in North and Central America, as well as the far western regions of South America. The eclipse will be partial in Central Asia and much of South America. It will not be visible in Africa or Europe.
What time will the total lunar eclipse be visible in the United States?
Here is the schedule for the March 3 total lunar eclipse, according to NASA:
- Penumbral eclipse begins: 2:44 a.m. PT / 3:44 a.m. CT / 5:44 a.m. ET
- Partial eclipse begins: 3:50 a.m. PT / 4:50 a.m. CT / 6:50 a.m. ET
- Totality begins: 3:04 a.m. PT / 5:04 a.m. CT / 6:04 a.m. ET
- Totality ends: 4:03 a.m. PT / 6:03 a.m. CT / 7:03 a.m. ET
- Partial eclipse ends: 5:17 a.m. PT / 7:17 a.m. CT / 8:17 a.m. ET
- Penumbral eclipse ends: 6:23 a.m. PT / 8:23 a.m. CT / 9:23 a.m. ET
How to watch the total lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse can be observed without special equipment. You only need a clear view of the Moon, so it is best to find a dark location away from bright lights. For a better viewing experience, you can use binoculars or a telescope.
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