A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 2–4, 2026.
The eclipse will be visible from western North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and much of the Pacific.
Western North America, northwest Mexico and inland Australia are expected to have some of the best viewing conditions, depending on the weather.
During the eclipse, the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow and appear reddish during totality, a phenomenon commonly called a “blood moon.”
Totality will last 58 minutes. The full eclipse, including partial phases, will last about 5 hours and 38 minutes.
About 31% of the world’s population — roughly 2.5 billion people — will be able to see the total phase.
Lunar eclipses happen when Earth moves between the sun and a full moon, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the moon.
This will be the first total lunar eclipse since September 2025. It will also be the last total lunar eclipse until Dec. 31, 2028, into Jan. 1, 2029.
In North America, totality will occur during the early morning hours of March 3. In the eastern U.S., the moon will set during totality. Farther west, the full red phase will be visible.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the eclipse will be visible the night of March 3 into March 4. In some areas, totality will begin as the moon rises.
The moon involved is known as the March “Worm Moon.” It will be near its average apparent size.
After March 2026, a deep partial lunar eclipse is expected in August 2026. The next total lunar eclipse will occur at the end of 2028.
Source: Space.com