SIU to Host Viewing Party for March 3 Total Lunar Eclipse

University offers live stream and in-person observation of the last total lunar eclipse visible in the continental U.S. until 2028.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting a viewing party for the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026 at 3:30 a.m. The event will take place at the SIU University Farms Astronomy Observation Area, 2 miles west of the main campus. The university will also livestream the eclipse using three telescopes on-site, as well as views from partner teams in Colorado and Mexico. This will be the last total lunar eclipse visible in the continental United States until December 31, 2028.

Why it matters

Lunar eclipses are rare astronomical events that captivate the public's interest. SIU's viewing party and livestream provide an opportunity for the community to engage with and learn about this celestial phenomenon. The university's involvement also aligns with its mission to provide STEM education and community outreach.

The details

The lunar eclipse will be visible in North and South America, as well as Asia and Australia. Attendees at the SIU observation site will be able to see the beginning of the eclipse at 3:50 a.m., the full totality, and the last partial phase prior to sunrise at 6:29 a.m. SIU will have telescopes available for the public to use, and some will have cellphone adapters so visitors can take their own photos.

  • The total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
  • The viewing party and livestream will begin at 3:30 a.m. on March 3, 2026.
  • The eclipse will be visible from 3:50 a.m. to 6:29 a.m. on March 3, 2026.

The players

Bob Baer

Associate scientist in the School of Physics and Applied Physics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

SIU Astrophotography Team

A team of SIU students and faculty who will livestream the eclipse using three telescopes at the observation site.

SolarSTEAM and DEB Initiative

Telescope teams in Colorado and Mexico that will provide additional views to be included in the SIU livestream.

Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois

A local astronomy group that will have volunteers on-site with telescopes for the public to use.

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What they’re saying

“This is the last total lunar eclipse visible in the continental United States until Dec. 31, 2028. Provided we have good weather, this will be a great eclipse to watch in person if people can.”

— Bob Baer, Associate scientist (SIU NEWS)

What’s next

The SIU Astrophotography Team will archive the livestream of the eclipse on the university's NASASolarSTEAM YouTube channel for later viewing.

The takeaway

SIU's hosting of this total lunar eclipse viewing party and livestream demonstrates the university's commitment to providing the community with access to engaging STEM education and astronomy outreach events. By leveraging its resources and expertise, SIU is able to offer the public a unique opportunity to witness this rare celestial phenomenon.