On March 3, 2026, a breathtaking celestial spectacle unfolds: a total lunar eclipse transforms the full Worm Moon into a Blood Moon, painting the night sky with deep copper-red hues for 58 glorious minutes. 🌕🔴
What is a Blood Moon?
A Blood Moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and Moon, casting its shadow onto the lunar surface. During totality, the Moon doesn't disappear completely but instead glows in shades of reddish-orange to deep copper-red. This stunning color results from sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere, bending red wavelengths around the planet and projecting them onto the Moon.
Eclipse timeline (UTC)
Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 08:44 UTC (3:44 AM EST)
Partial Eclipse Begins: 09:50 UTC (4:50 AM EST)
Totality Begins: 11:04 UTC (6:04 AM EST)
Maximum Eclipse: 11:33 UTC (6:33 AM EST)
Totality Ends: 12:02 UTC (7:02 AM EST)
Partial Eclipse Ends: 13:17 UTC (8:17 AM EST)
Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 14:23 UTC (9:23 AM EST)
The entire eclipse lasts approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes, with the magnificent totality phase lasting 58 minutes and 19 seconds.
Visibility and viewing conditions
Best Viewing Locations:
Western North America (especially the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and inland Mexico), Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, and the central Pacific Ocean enjoy optimal views. Approximately 2.5 billion people (31% of the world's population) will witness totality, while only 176 million (2%) will see the entire eclipse from beginning to end.
North America Considerations:
Eastern North America faces a challenge: the Moon sets during or shortly after totality begins, meaning observers in cities like New York see the eclipse start but miss maximum totality as the Moon sinks below the western horizon. Western states enjoy the full spectacle with the Moon high in the sky.
Weather Forecast:
Statistically, northwest Mexico, the southwest United States, and inland Australia offer the best chances for clear skies and unobstructed viewing.
Why this eclipse is special
This is the last total lunar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028/2029, making it a rare opportunity spanning nearly three years. The Moon will be in the constellation Leo during the eclipse, positioned just 6.5 days after perigee, appearing slightly larger than average.
Mark your calendar, set your alarm, and prepare to witness the full Worm Moon transform into a glowing ember in the sky. 🌌
#BloodMoon #TotalLunarEclipse #March2026 #WormMoon #Astronomy
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