Blood Moon (File Photo – nasa.gov).
A total lunar eclipse will light up skies across much of the world on March 2–3, 2026, offering viewers a chance to see the Moon fully immersed in Earth’s darkest shadow.
By Rena Kurlander
The celestial event will be visible in North America, South America, parts of eastern Asia, and Australia. At its peak, the eclipse will reach totality at 3:34 am PST. For observers in our area, the height of the eclipse will occur in the early morning hours of March 3, following the night of March 2, at approximately 12:44 am PST.
During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon passes entirely into the umbra—the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. Unlike a partial lunar eclipse, in which only a portion of the Moon enters the umbra, totality causes the entire lunar surface to darken, often taking on a coppery-red hue. This reddish coloration gives rise to the popular nickname “Blood Moon.”
Lunar eclipses always coincide with a full Moon. The March full Moon is traditionally known as the Beaver Moon, a name linked to the time of year when beavers in the Northern Hemisphere prepare their dams for winter.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing its shadow to fall across the lunar surface. This differs from a solar eclipse, which occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow on our planet.
Skywatchers who want to check exact viewing times and visibility for their location can consult interactive maps at timeanddate.com.
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