Total Lunar Eclipse Visible Across North America on March 3

Amateur astronomers can witness the celestial event as the Moon passes through Earth's shadow.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A total lunar eclipse will occur in the skies above North America during the morning hours of Monday, March 3. Lunar eclipses happen when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon align, with Earth's shadow falling upon the Moon and obscuring it from direct sunlight. This eclipse's visibility will span across North and South America, Asia, Australia, the Arctic, and Antarctica, providing a rare opportunity for observers to witness the celestial event.

Why it matters

Lunar eclipses are significant astronomical events that demonstrate the orbital mechanics and shadow patterns of the solar system. They occur relatively infrequently, with the next total lunar eclipse for the U.S. not happening until New Year's Eve 2028, making the March 3 eclipse a rare chance for stargazers to observe this phenomenon.

The details

The eclipse will progress through several distinct phases, beginning with the penumbral eclipse at 3:43 a.m. EST as the Moon's leading edge contacts the outer, diffuse portion of Earth's shadow. The partial eclipse will start at 4:49 a.m. EST, with a curved portion of the Moon's disc appearing darkened. Total eclipse, when the entire lunar disc is covered by Earth's shadow, will occur from 6:03 a.m. to 7:02 a.m. EST, causing the Moon to take on a reddish or coppery hue due to sunlight being refracted and scattered by Earth's atmosphere.

  • The penumbral eclipse begins at 3:43 a.m. EST.
  • The partial eclipse starts at 4:49 a.m. EST.
  • Total eclipse occurs from 6:03 a.m. to 7:02 a.m. EST.
  • The point of greatest eclipse happens at 6:33 a.m. EST.
  • The eclipse ends with the Moon's exit from the penumbra at 9:23 a.m. EST.

The players

North America

The region where the total lunar eclipse will be visible, including observers located across the continent as well as in South America, Asia, Australia, the Arctic, and Antarctica.

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What they’re saying

“Go out and experience this event, even if you can only see part of it. The next total lunar eclipse won't happen until New Year's Eve 2028, and it's not a favorable one for the U.S. A slightly better one, mainly for the eastern U.S., will happen June 25, 2029.”

— Michael E. Bakich, Author (astronomy.com)

What’s next

The next total lunar eclipse visible from North America will occur on New Year's Eve 2028, followed by a slightly better one for the eastern U.S. on June 25, 2029.

The takeaway

This total lunar eclipse provides a rare opportunity for stargazers across North America and beyond to witness the celestial event, as the Moon passes through Earth's shadow and takes on a distinctive reddish or coppery hue. Lunar eclipses are significant astronomical phenomena that demonstrate the orbital mechanics and shadow patterns of the solar system.