Blood Moon Eclipse Visible for Some San Diegans

The total lunar eclipse will be obscured by clouds and fog for many in the coastal areas.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A blood-red moon will grace the skies for a total lunar eclipse on Monday evening, March 2, 2026, but the spectacle will be obscured for many in San Diego due to cloud cover and fog, especially near the coast. The eclipse will begin at 12:44 a.m. and reach totality at 3:04 a.m., with the event concluding with moonset at 6:18 a.m. on Tuesday. While those in inland valleys will likely have partially cloudy skies, the chances of seeing the full eclipse increase the farther one is from the coast.

Why it matters

Lunar eclipses are relatively rare, with the next total lunar eclipse not occurring until late 2028. This event provides a unique opportunity for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness a stunning celestial phenomenon, though weather conditions will prevent full visibility for many in the San Diego area.

The details

The total lunar eclipse will last for over five hours, with the moon appearing blood-red during the total eclipse phase. While no special equipment is needed to observe the eclipse, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience. The eclipse will be visible across North America, Central America, and the western part of South America, as well as Australia and eastern Asia.

  • The eclipse will begin at 12:44 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2026.
  • Totality, where the moon is fully covered by the Earth's shadow, will occur at 3:04 a.m.
  • The eclipse will conclude with moonset at 6:18 a.m. on Tuesday, March 2, 2026.

The players

NBC 7 meteorologist Sheena Parveen

Provided the weather forecast for the eclipse, indicating that cloud cover and fog will obscure the view for many in the coastal areas of San Diego.

Catherine Miller

An astronomer at Middlebury College's Mittelman Observatory, who commented on the relaxed pace of a lunar eclipse compared to a solar eclipse.

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What they’re saying

“Compared to a solar eclipse, 'the lunar eclipse is a little more of a relaxed pace.'”

— Catherine Miller, astronomer (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

There will be a partial lunar eclipse visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and west Asia in August of the same year.

The takeaway

While the total lunar eclipse will be a stunning celestial event, weather conditions in San Diego's coastal areas will prevent many from fully enjoying the spectacle. Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts in the inland valleys will have a better chance of witnessing the blood moon in its entirety.