How to View the ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3

Wired

by Jorge Garay

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The next major astronomical event of 2026 is the highly anticipated “Blood Moon” total lunar eclipse on March 3. This unique phenomenon occurs when the Earth positions itself between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that gives the moon its distinctive reddish hue. Visible primarily in North and Central America during early morning hours, the event will reach totality just as dawn approaches, offering stargazers a brief but unforgettable sight lasting only 12 minutes. For those in targeted regions like Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, St. Louis, New York, and Washington, D.C., the eclipse will begin around 3:04 am PT and peak at approximately 6:04 am ET. Unlike solar eclipses, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye. To fully capture the event, viewers are encouraged to find high vantage points with unobstructed views of the horizon, as the moon will appear close to the horizon during totality. The blood-red color of the moon during a total eclipse is caused by Earth’s atmosphere filtering sunlight and refracting it onto the lunar surface. This effect creates a stunning display that appears as if all sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the moon simultaneously. While total solar eclipses occur roughly every 18 months, making them less frequent but more visually dramatic, lunar eclipses are more common and can be observed from anywhere experiencing nighttime. This event is particularly significant for tech and science enthusiasts due to its rarity and accessibility. Unlike solar eclipses, which require precise location within a narrow path of totality, the Blood Moon’s visibility across wide regions makes it an opportunity for millions to witness this natural wonder without specialized equipment.天文 enthusiasts can mark their calendars for March 3, as this celestial spectacle promises to be both breathtaking and memorable.

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Originally published on Wired on 2/22/2026