Lunar Eclipse 2026: How, Where & When to See the ‘Blood Moon’
A celestial event is unfolding tonight, March 3rd, as a total lunar eclipse, often called a “Blood Moon,” becomes visible across a vast swathe of the globe. Approximately 3.3 billion people in the Americas, Asia, and Oceania are positioned to witness the spectacle, where Earth’s shadow will completely envelop the Moon, casting a reddish hue across its surface.
This eclipse isn’t a fleeting moment; the entire event will last 5 hours and 39 minutes, with the period of total eclipse – when the Moon is fully immersed in Earth’s umbra – stretching for around 58 minutes. But what exactly causes this dramatic transformation, and how can you observe it, even if you’re not in a prime viewing location?
Understanding Lunar Eclipses
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, effectively blocking direct sunlight from reaching the lunar surface. This isn’t a monthly occurrence due to the fact that the Moon’s orbit is tilted relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Eclipses only happen when this alignment occurs at a point called a “node,” where the orbital planes intersect. There are three main types of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral. A total lunar eclipse, like the one occurring tonight, is the most dramatic, with the Moon appearing a deep red. A partial eclipse sees only a portion of the Moon covered by Earth’s shadow, while a penumbral eclipse is more subtle, with the Moon passing through the Earth’s outer, fainter shadow – often barely noticeable.
Where Will the ‘Blood Moon’ Be Visible?
The eclipse will be fully visible – encompassing all phases, penumbral, partial, and total – primarily over the Pacific Ocean, extending to include eastern Asia (such as Japan and China), Australia, New Zealand, and the western portion of North America (western Canada and the US). Approximately 5.58 billion people, nearly 69% of the world’s population, will have some view of the eclipse, whether it’s the full “Blood Moon” or just a portion of Earth’s shadow crossing the lunar surface. Around 3.34 billion people will be able to witness at least part of the total phase.
Observing the Eclipse in Brazil
For observers in Brazil, the view will be more limited. Residents in the North and Central-West regions may catch the beginning of the partial phase for about 10 minutes before sunrise, noticing the shadow creeping across the Moon’s surface. Though, in the South, Southeast, and Northeast regions, the eclipse will be largely penumbral, meaning the change in the Moon’s brightness will be subtle and potentially difficult to perceive.
Catching the Eclipse Online
If you’re outside the prime viewing areas, or simply want a closer look, several online broadcasts will stream the event live. Time and Date will begin its live coverage at 6:30 AM Brasília time, featuring real-time images from locations like Los Angeles, USA, and Western Australia. The broadcast will include commentary from journalist Anne Buckle and astrophysicist Graham Jones, providing context and answering common questions about the eclipse.
The Virtual Telescope Project as well offers a live stream, starting at 5:30 AM, with images captured by a team of astrophotographers in Australia, the United States, and Canada. The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles will be broadcasting the eclipse live on its YouTube channel starting at 5:37 AM.
Why Isn’t There an Eclipse Every Month?
Lunar eclipses don’t occur monthly due to the inclination of the Moon’s orbit relative to Earth’s orbit around the Sun. An eclipse requires a precise alignment, happening only when the Moon crosses the “node” – the point where the two orbital planes intersect.
The Science Behind the ‘Blood Moon’ Color
The nickname “Blood Moon” comes from the reddish coloration the Moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse. This happens because, even when fully within Earth’s shadow, some sunlight still reaches the Moon. This light is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, which scatters away shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) while allowing longer wavelengths (red and orange) to pass through. This is the same process that causes sunsets and sunrises to appear red. The intensity of the red color can vary depending on atmospheric conditions; dust, pollution, or volcanic ash can darken the hue. Despite the dramatic name, the “Blood Moon” is a predictable and safe astronomical event to observe.
The next total lunar eclipse will occur in 2028, so tonight’s event offers a valuable opportunity to witness this captivating celestial display. Whether you’re able to view it directly or through a live stream, the “Blood Moon” is a reminder of the dynamic interplay between the Sun, Earth, and Moon.