Total Lunar Eclipse- March 3rd, 2026
In the early hours of Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, weather permitting, we will be treated to a total lunar eclipse. The eclipse begins early in the morning at 3:44AM EST when the Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra or lighter shadow. The Moon doesn’t look very different during this phase of the eclipse though you might be able to see that it’s a slightly darker shade of gray. At 4:50AM the partial eclipse phase begins as the Moon enters the umbra or darker shadow. This leading edge of the Moon will begin to look red. The Total eclipse begins at 6:04AM when the entire. Moon is in the Earth’s umbra, and it’s predicted the Moon will have a deep red/rust to brick red color. 6:33AM is maximum eclipse. This is when the Moon is closest to the center of the shadow. The Moon is also close to the horizon by now. To see it you will need a clear view of the western horizon. The Moon will still be in total eclipse when it sets at 6:58AM. Unfortunately for us the combination of a very low Moon in total eclipse and the Sun rising will make the Moon very dim before it sets. The Moon might become difficult to see, disappearing from view sometime before it sets. The total eclipse ends at 7:02AM when the Moon is below the horizon. So, we don’t get to see the entire eclipse from start to finish, but we do get to see the most important part – almost all of totality!
Why does the Moon turn red during a total eclipse? For the same reason our sky is blue, and sunsets are red. It’s a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight enters the Earth’s atmosphere, the different wavelengths of light are scattered in different directions, and not all wavelengths are scattered equally. Shorter wavelengths of light like blue and violet are scattered more strongly and are tossed out of the atmosphere. Longer wavelengths of light like red and orange pass through Earth’s atmosphere. These red-orange wavelengths of light are bent or refracted around the Earth and hit the surface of the Moon making it appear red. It’s because of this that total lunar eclipses are sometimes called “Blood Moons.” The global transparency or clearness of Earth’s atmosphere affects the Moon’s brightness and color during totality. So, the more dust or clouds in earth’s atmosphere during an eclipse, the redder the Moon will be.
Lunar eclipses are easy and safe to observe with the unaided eye. Just go outside, look up and marvel at what you are watching. Binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view, but they aren’t needed. Get a comfortable chair, jacket or coat, maybe a blanket and a warm drink – it will probably be cold before the Sun comes up. Hope for clear skies and enjoy March’s Full Worm Moon.