Total Lunar Eclipse to Turn Moon Blood Red

The rare celestial event will be visible across the Americas and parts of Asia on Tuesday.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon a deep red color on Tuesday, March 14, 2026. The eclipse will be visible across North America, Central America, and the western part of South America, as well as Australia and eastern Asia. During a full lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the sun and moon, casting a shadow that covers the full moon. The moon appears red due to stray bits of sunlight filtering through the Earth's atmosphere.

Why it matters

Total lunar eclipses are relatively rare, with the next one not expected until late 2028. This celestial event provides a unique opportunity for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness the moon take on a dramatic blood-red hue.

The details

The total lunar eclipse will begin at 7:35 PM EST on Tuesday, March 14, 2026. The moon will gradually move into the Earth's shadow, causing it to appear increasingly red in color. The total eclipse phase, when the moon is fully immersed in the Earth's shadow, will last for about an hour and a half.

  • The total lunar eclipse will begin at 7:35 PM EST on Tuesday, March 14, 2026.
  • The total eclipse phase will last for about an hour and a half.

The players

Earth

The planet that casts its shadow on the moon during a total lunar eclipse.

Sun

The star that provides the light that is filtered through the Earth's atmosphere and causes the moon to appear red during a total lunar eclipse.

Moon

The celestial body that will take on a dramatic blood-red hue during the total lunar eclipse.

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The takeaway

This total lunar eclipse is a rare and captivating celestial event that will provide a unique opportunity for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness the moon transform into a deep, blood-red color. With the next total lunar eclipse not expected until late 2028, this is a must-see spectacle that should not be missed.