A total lunar eclipse, often called a “blood moon” due to the reddish hue it takes on, will be visible across parts of North America, Asia, and Australia on March 3, 2026. The eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Sunlight that does reach the Moon during this alignment is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, bending and refracting to create the distinctive red color.
While not visible from Europe or Africa, observers in the western regions of North America will experience the eclipse between midnight on March 2 and dawn on March 3. Those in eastern Asia and Australia will see the spectacle unfold in the evening of March 3. The timing is crucial, as the Moon may already be eclipsed when it rises above the horizon in some locations, or may set during the event.
The total phase of the eclipse, when the Moon is fully immersed in Earth’s umbra and appears most vividly red, will last for approximately 58 minutes. According to space.com, the eclipse will be visible from western North America, Australia, New Zealand and East Asia.
Here’s a breakdown of key timings for several cities:
Western Cities – Morning Eclipse
| City | Totality Begins | Peak Blood Moon | Totality Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 03:04 PST | 03:33 PST | 04:03 PST |
| Mexico City | 05:04 CST | 05:33 CST | 06:03 CST |
| Chicago | 05:04 CST | 05:33 CST | 06:03 CST |
| Lima | 06:04 PET | 06:10 PET | –:– |
| Detroit | 06:04 EST | 06:33 EST | 07:03 EST |
| Toronto | 06:04 EST | 06:33 EST | 07:03 EST |
| Washington DC | 06:04 EST | 06:33 EST | 07:03 EST |
| New York | 06:04 EST | 06:33 EST | –:– |
| Montreal | 06:04 EST | 06:33 EST | –:– |
Eastern Cities – Evening Eclipse
| City | Totality Begins | Peak Blood Moon | Totality Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | –:– | 17:32 IST | –:– |
| Bangkok | 18:04 ICT | 18:33 ICT | 19:03 ICT |
| Beijing | 19:04 CST | 19:33 CST | 20:03 CST |
| Perth | 19:04 AWST | 19:33 AWST | 20:03 AWST |
| Tokyo | 20:04 JST | 20:33 JST | 21:03 JST |
| Brisbane | 21:04 AEST | 21:33 AEST | 22:03 AEST |
| Adelaide | 21:34 ACDT | 22:03 ACDT | 22:33 ACDT |
| Sydney | 22:04 AEDT | 22:33 AEDT | 23:03 AEDT |
| Melbourne | 22:04 AEDT | 22:33 AEDT | 23:03 AEDT |
| Auckland | 00:04 NZDT | 00:33 NZDT | 01:03 NZDT |
Observers are encouraged to begin watching 30 to 60 minutes before the predicted start of totality to familiarize themselves with the Moon’s position and make any necessary adjustments for optimal viewing. This will be the last total lunar eclipse until the New Year’s Eve eclipse of 2028-2029.
Those interested in sharing their observations or photographs of the March 3, 2026 eclipse are invited to submit them to contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com.
