Total Lunar Eclipse to Turn Moon Blood Red on Tuesday

The spectacle will be visible across North and South America, as well as Australia and eastern Asia.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, February 27, 2026, turning the moon a blood-red color. The eclipse will be visible across North America, Central America, the western part of South America, Australia, and eastern Asia. Partial stages of the eclipse will also be seen from Central Asia and much of South America, while Africa and Europe will miss out on the event.

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 the moon take on a dramatic reddish-orange hue as it passes through the Earth's shadow.

The details

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth is positioned between the sun and the full moon, casting a shadow that covers the moon. The 'blood moon' appears red due to stray bits of sunlight filtering through the Earth's atmosphere. The eclipse will unfold over several hours, with the total eclipse lasting about an hour.

  • The total lunar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, February 27, 2026.
  • The eclipse will be visible in the early morning hours for North and South America, and in the evening hours for Australia and eastern Asia.

The players

Catherine Miller

An astronomer at Middlebury College's Mittelman Observatory.

Bennett Maruca

An astronomer with the University of Delaware.

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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 (castanet.net)

“You don't have to be out there the whole time to see the shadows moving.”

— Bennett Maruca, astronomer (castanet.net)

What’s next

There will be a partial lunar eclipse on August 7, 2026, which will be visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and west Asia.

The takeaway

This total lunar eclipse is a rare and captivating celestial event that will provide stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to witness the moon transform into a dramatic blood-red orb. With the next total lunar eclipse not expected until late 2028, this is a must-see spectacle for sky-watchers across the globe.