What Happened
A total lunar eclipse, commonly referred to as a blood moon eclipse, is scheduled to occur on March 3, 2026. This celestial event will be visible across North America, marking the first lunar eclipse of the year. The eclipse will begin at approximately 4:00 a.m. EST, reaching its peak at 6:33 a.m. EST, and concluding around 7:00 a.m. EST, with a partial eclipse lasting until 9:00 a.m. EST.
Why It Matters
This blood moon eclipse is significant as it will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from anywhere on Earth until New Year’s Eve 2028-2029. During the eclipse, the full moon, known as the “Worm Moon,” will take on a darker orange hue due to sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere, creating a visually stunning phenomenon. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to observe without protective eyewear, making them accessible to a wider audience.
What’s Next
Following the blood moon eclipse, skywatchers can look forward to a solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which will have a path of totality stretching from Greenland to Spain. Enthusiasts are encouraged to prepare for the lunar eclipse by using smartphone apps to identify constellations and planets, such as Jupiter, which will be visible during the event.
