On March 3, 2026, the night sky will stage one of its most dramatic displays.
For nearly an hour, the moon will turn a deep, coppery red - a phenomenon often called a "Blood Moon."
And here's what makes this event even more remarkable: it will be the last total lunar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028-2029.
That alone makes this one worth watching.
Why Will the Moon Turn Red?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. As sunlight filters through Earth's atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter, while red and orange tones bend toward the moon.
The result?
A glowing crimson moon suspended in the dark.
It's the same reason sunsets appear red - except this time, the entire moon becomes the canvas.
When Will It Happen?
The full eclipse will last over five hours, beginning around 08:44 UTC.
But the most breathtaking moment - called totality - will last about 58 minutes.
Totality Timeline:
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Begins: 11:04 UTC
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Maximum (Deepest Red): 11:34 UTC
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Ends: Around 12:02 UTC
For viewers in the United States:
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Eastern Time: 6:04-7:02 a.m. EST
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Central Time: 5:04-6:02 a.m. CST
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Mountain Time: 4:04-5:02 a.m. MST
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Pacific Time: 3:04-4:02 a.m. PST
In some eastern U.S. locations, the moon may set during totality, making western states the best North American viewing spots.
Where Will It Be Visible?
The best views will be from:
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Western North America
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Australia
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New Zealand
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Japan
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Eastern Asia
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Pacific regions
In the Philippines, the total phase begins around 7:04 p.m. local time, making it a convenient evening spectacle.
Europe, however, will not see this eclipse.
Is It Safe to Watch?
Yes. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe with the naked eye. No glasses required. Just find a dark location with a clear western horizon.
If clouds interfere, several observatories - including Griffith Observatory and Timeanddate.com - will livestream the entire event online.
Why This Eclipse Feels Significant
Throughout history, a red moon has stirred imagination, art, and spiritual reflection. The phrase "the moon will turn to blood" appears in ancient Scripture, echoing humanity's long-standing awe of the heavens.
But scientifically, this event is not a sign of catastrophe - it is a predictable and beautiful alignment of celestial mechanics.
Still, there is something powerful about looking up and seeing the familiar moon transformed. It reminds us that even the most constant things in life can shift, glow, and surprise us.
The March 3, 2026 Blood Moon will be visible to billions of people - weather permitting.
After that, the world waits years for another.
Will you be watching when the sky turns red?
