Lunar eclipse 2026: When to see the blood moon
Mashable
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A total lunar eclipse, often called a "blood moon," will occur on March 3, 2026, offering a spectacular celestial event visible across much of North America. The eclipse promises to be particularly well-viewed on the West Coast, with the entire sequence unfolding in the early morning hours before sunrise. This event provides a unique opportunity for anyone with an unobstructed view of the moon to witness the intricate dance of Earth, sun, and moon, demonstrating celestial mechanics in action.
The eclipse will begin with the penumbral phase at 3:44 a.m. ET / 12:44 a.m. PT, causing faint dimming of the moon. The partial eclipse starts at 4:50 a.m. ET / 1:50 a.m. PT, when Earth's darker shadow becomes visible. Totality begins at 6:04 a.m. ET / 3:04 a.m. PT and lasts until 7:03 a.m. ET / 4:03 a.m. PT. During this phase, the moon takes on its signature reddish-orange hue, known as the "blood moon." This coloring occurs because Earth's atmosphere filters out shorter blue wavelengths of light, allowing red and orange tones to reach the moon, creating a glow reminiscent of sunrise or sunset.
The eclipse will be
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Originally published on Mashable on 3/2/2026