Rare 'Blood Moon' Total Lunar Eclipse Coming to North America, Australia, and New Zealand

The last opportunity to witness this phenomenon for nearly three years

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North America, Australia, and New Zealand will be treated to a rare total lunar eclipse, often called a 'blood moon,' on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. This event marks the last chance to see such an eclipse for almost three years, as total lunar eclipses happen every 18 months to three years.

Why it matters

Lunar eclipses are significant astronomical events that have held cultural and historical meaning across many civilizations. This particular 'blood moon' eclipse will be a rare opportunity for stargazers in the affected regions to witness a dramatic celestial display.

The details

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse doesn't completely block the sun's light. Some sunlight is refracted through Earth's atmosphere, giving the moon a distinctive 'deep and coppery red' hue. This red light is a result of sunlight 'skimming' the Earth's atmosphere, similar to the colors seen during a sunset or sunrise.

  • The eclipse will reach its peak shortly after midnight on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, visible throughout New Zealand.
  • In Australia, the eclipse will start around 10:04 PM and end at 11:02 PM in cities like Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Hobart.
  • In North America, the eclipse will start as early as 12:44 AM on the West Coast and end around 6:30 AM on the East Coast.

The players

Dr. Rebecca Allen

An astrophysicist at Swinburne University who explains the science behind the 'blood moon' phenomenon.

Dr. Brad Tucker

An astrophysicist at the Australian National University who provides insights into the causes of the red lunar color.

Professor Richard Easther

A professor at the University of Auckland who notes that anyone who can see the moon will be able to witness the eclipse.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This red light is a result of sunlight 'skimming' the Earth's atmosphere, similar to the colors seen during a sunset or sunrise.”

— Dr. Brad Tucker, Astrophysicist, Australian National University (newsy-today.com)

“Anyone who can see the moon will be able to witness the eclipse.”

— Professor Richard Easther, University of Auckland (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The next total lunar eclipse visible from North America will occur on June 2029. A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28, 2026, with the best views from the Americas and Africa.

The takeaway

This rare 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse is a unique celestial event that will captivate stargazers across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring natural phenomena that occur in our skies and the rich cultural history associated with such occurrences.