Blood Moon 2024: How & Where to See March’s Lunar Eclipse

March 3, 2026 Sarah Wu - Tech Editor Tech and Science

Canadians across the country, and observers throughout North America, are in for a striking celestial display tonight as a total lunar eclipse unfolds, resulting in what’s commonly known as a “blood moon.” The eclipse will be visible overnight into early Tuesday, March 3rd, with peak viewing times varying by location. Unlike a solar eclipse, no special eye protection is needed to view this event – just a clear view of the sky.

How the ‘Blood Moon’ Forms

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. This isn’t a complete blackout, however. Some sunlight is refracted, or bent, through Earth’s atmosphere and onto the Moon, giving it a reddish hue. As Global News reports, NASA explains this effect results in a deep reddish-orange color, hence the “blood moon” moniker. The specific shade of red can vary depending on the amount of dust and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere.

Timing for Canadian Viewers

The eclipse unfolds over several hours, but the most dramatic phase – totality – lasts for approximately one hour. Here’s a breakdown of key times, according to CityNews Kitchener, expressed in Eastern Time (ET). Viewers in other time zones should adjust accordingly:

  • 3:44 a.m. ET – Penumbral eclipse begins: A subtle dimming of the Moon’s brightness.
  • 4:50 a.m. ET – Partial eclipse begins: A dark shadow starts to cover a portion of the Moon.
  • 6:04 a.m. ET – Totality begins: The Moon is fully immersed in Earth’s umbral shadow, appearing reddish.
  • 7:03 a.m. ET – Totality ends: The reddish glow fades as the Moon exits the umbra.
  • 8:17 a.m. ET – Partial eclipse ends.
  • 9:23 a.m. ET – Eclipse ends completely.

For those in the eastern part of Canada, totality will occur relatively close to moonset, meaning a clear horizon will be particularly important for optimal viewing. Observers in western Canada will have a more favorable viewing window, with the eclipse occurring higher in the sky.

Why Lunar Eclipses are Different

Lunar eclipses are often described as more “relaxed” events compared to solar eclipses. Catherine Miller with Middlebury College’s Mittelman Observatory told the Associated Press (as reported by Global News) that lunar eclipses unfold at a slower pace. This is because the Earth’s shadow is much larger than the Moon’s, and the Moon moves through it more gradually. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, eliminating the need for specialized filters.

The Science Behind the Red Hue: Rayleigh Scattering

The reddish color observed during a lunar eclipse isn’t arbitrary. It’s a direct result of a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) are scattered away by air molecules. Longer wavelengths (red and orange) are less affected and pass through more directly. During a lunar eclipse, this scattered red light is refracted onto the Moon’s surface, giving it its characteristic color. The Toronto Star explains that this is similar to why sunsets appear red – the sunlight travels through a greater amount of atmosphere, scattering away the blue light and leaving the red hues.

Beyond Tonight: Future Eclipses

This won’t be the last opportunity to witness a lunar eclipse. NASA notes that solar and lunar eclipses occur between four and seven times a year. A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled to be visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and West Asia in August. The next total lunar eclipse isn’t expected until late 2028.

Observing Without Equipment and Potential for Photography

One of the appealing aspects of a lunar eclipse is its accessibility. No telescopes or binoculars are required to enjoy the spectacle. A clear, unobstructed view of the sky is all that’s needed. However, for those interested in capturing the event photographically, a tripod and a camera with manual settings are recommended. Long exposure times will be necessary to capture the faint light of the eclipsed Moon.

Regional Variations and Viewing Conditions

While the eclipse is visible across Canada, viewing conditions will vary depending on location and weather. CBC News reports that even in New Brunswick, where only a portion of the eclipse will be visible, amateur astronomers are preparing to document the event. The key, regardless of location, is to find a dark spot away from city lights to maximize visibility. Metro Vancouverites, for example, are encouraged to find a location with an unobstructed eastern horizon, as noted by Vancouver Is Awesome.

What comes next: Following the eclipse, astronomers will analyze data collected during the event to further refine our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere and the interaction of sunlight with lunar dust. Images and observations shared by citizen scientists will also contribute to a broader understanding of the eclipse’s appearance and characteristics across different locations.