The March 2026 lunar eclipse: When will the Blood Moon occur in the United States

Only 20 days left for astronomy enthusiasts to witness one of the most spectacular events of the year: the when is the 2026 lunar eclipse, popularly known as the Blood Moon. This total lunar eclipse will be visible from the United States and much of North America in the early morning of March 3, marking the first event of its kind observable from U.S. territory in 2026. It is a phenomenon that will not be repeated with these characteristics until New Year’s Eve of 2028.

When exactly will the total lunar eclipse occur

The lunar eclipse will take place during the early hours of Tuesday March 3, 2026, when Earth’s shadow completely covers the full Moon. During this period, sunlight will filter through Earth’s atmosphere, giving the natural satellite that spectacular red glow characteristic of the Blood Moon.

It is important to note that this type of total lunar eclipse is relatively rare: only 29% of all lunar eclipses are total, and they occur on average once every two and a half years. Not all of them produce red moons, making this March event a particularly valuable spectacle to witness. During the totality phase, which will last more than an hour, the Moon will remain fully immersed in Earth’s umbra, allowing for a complete observation of the phenomenon.

Why the Moon turns that intense red during the eclipse

The deep red color of the Blood Moon is not coincidental but results from atmospheric physics. When the lunar eclipse reaches totality, Earth is completely between the Sun and the Moon. The sunlight reaching the lunar surface passes through Earth’s atmosphere, where air molecules scatter blue wavelengths (Rayleigh scattering), allowing red and orange tones to predominate. The exact intensity of the color will depend on Earth’s atmospheric conditions at the time of the event.

Practical guide to observing the lunar eclipse from the U.S.

Watching this celestial spectacle requires good planning. According to NASA recommendations, here are the best practices:

• Ideal location: Find a spot with a clear view toward the western horizon, away from city lights and buildings that obstruct the view.
• Eye protection: Unlike solar eclipses, the Moon during a total lunar eclipse can be safely observed with the naked eye, without special equipment.
• Enhance your experience: Although visible without aid, using telescopes or binoculars will allow you to see finer details on the lunar surface and color changes during totality.
• Comfort: Prepare for a prolonged nighttime observation. Dress warmly and choose a comfortable spot, as the total phase usually lasts more than an hour.
• Photography: If you want to capture images, use a stable tripod and set your camera to high ISO values to capture the darkness. Test different shutter speeds beforehand.

Other astronomical phenomena lighting up 2026

Beyond the March lunar eclipse, 2026 will bring a series of noteworthy astronomical events:

Great planetary alignment (February 28): Just four days before the eclipse, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter will align diagonally at sunset, visible to the naked eye. Telescopes will also reveal Uranus and Neptune in this exceptional alignment.

Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) at its peak brightness (April 25): This comet will reach its maximum luminosity in April, although viewing will require binoculars. Several astronomers suggest it could surpass initial brightness predictions.

Geminid meteor shower (December 14): This is the most active meteor shower of the year, with an estimated activity of about 179 meteors per hour. It will be fully visible to the naked eye and will be one of the most accessible astronomical spectacles of 2026.