Total Lunar Eclipse to Dazzle Denver Skies Early Tuesday

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Early risers in the Denver metro area will be treated to a rare total lunar eclipse, known as a "Blood Moon", on Tuesday morning. The eclipse will begin to be visible as early as 2:50 am, with totality occurring at 4:33 am, when the Earth's shadow completely covers the moon, casting a red to copper colored glow over the lunar surface.

Why it matters

Total lunar eclipses are relatively rare, with the next one not occurring over Denver until New Year's Eve 2028. This celestial event provides a unique opportunity for stargazers and amateur astronomers to witness the moon's dramatic transformation.

The details

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting the Earth's shadow across the lunar surface. The sunlight is filtered through the Earth's atmosphere, creating the distinctive reddish-copper hue. This particular eclipse is also known as the "Worm Moon" due to it occurring in March when earthworms typically start to emerge.

• The eclipse will begin to be visible as early as 2:50 am on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
• Totality, when the moon is completely covered by the Earth's shadow, will occur at 4:33 am.
• The entire eclipse event will last for over an hour.

What’s next

The next total lunar eclipse visible from the Denver metro area will not occur until New Year's Eve 2028.