All eyes on March 3: billions to witness 2026 blood moon during total lunar eclipse

Space.com reports that in about a week a total lunar eclipse will turn the Moon a vivid blood red, visible to billions across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania (weather permitting). Totality lasts about 58 minutes, with penumbra beginning around 3:33 a.m. EST on March 3, umbra entering at 4:50 a.m. EST and totality starting at 6:04 a.m. EST; timings vary by location. The reddish hue comes from Rayleigh scattering in Earth’s atmosphere. Viewers in the US may see different phases depending on where they are, and can check local timings on TimeandDate. Telescopes can enhance the view (e.g., Celestron Inspire 100AZ). The eclipse coincides with March’s full Moon, known as the Worm Moon.