Total lunar eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse of 3 March 2026
The whole Moon passes into Earth’s dark umbral shadow and turns copper-red for 58m. Umbral magnitude 1.151.
- Greatest eclipse
- 11:33 UT
- Umbral magnitude
- 1.151
- Partial phase
- 3h 27m
- Totality
- 58m
- Saros
- 133
- Visible from
- e Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas
Where the Moon is up
Can I see it from here?
| Phase | UT | Your time | Moon altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins (U1) | 09:50 | — | — |
| Totality begins (U2) | 11:04 | — | — |
| Greatest eclipse | 11:33 | — | — |
| Totality ends (U3) | 12:02 | — | — |
| Partial eclipse ends (U4) | 13:17 | — | — |
Umbral contact times are derived from NASA’s time of greatest eclipse and phase durations (partial 3h 27m, total 58m); they are accurate to about a minute. Moon altitude assumes the Moon sits opposite the Sun, which is true to within about a degree during an eclipse.
How to watch
- No special equipment or glasses needed: a lunar eclipse is safe to look at.
- Binoculars show the colour gradient across the shadow edge beautifully.
- For photos, start with the Moon’s full-moon exposure and lengthen it as the shadow advances. The totally eclipsed Moon can be 10,000 times fainter. The photography page has settings.
- Leave the city lights if you can: the dimmer the sky, the richer the red.
Questions
What time is the lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026?
Greatest eclipse is at 11:33 UT. The partial (umbral) phase lasts 3h 27m, including 58m of totality. Use the table on this page for your local time.
Where is it visible?
From anywhere the Moon is above the horizon at the time: NASA lists e Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas. At greatest eclipse the Moon is overhead near 7°N, 170°W.
Is it safe to look at?
Yes. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with your eyes, binoculars or a telescope. No filter is needed.
Why does the Moon turn red?
Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered: blue light is removed and red light is bent into the shadow. The Moon is lit by the red glow of every sunrise and sunset on Earth at once.
Source: NASA/GSFC Lunar Eclipses 2021–2030 (F. Espenak). Times converted from TD to UT with ΔT ≈ 72 s.