On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, an incredible total lunar eclipse captivated the skies around the world, with visibility possible across most of America in the early morning hours.
And the first mesmerizing images are already pouring in.
A total lunar eclipse makes the moon appear dark red or orange, earning it the nickname “blood moon.” This coloring happens because the Earth blocks most of the sun’s light from reaching the moon.
The next total lunar eclipse won’t be visible from the Americas until New Years Eve 2028, according to NASA, so depending on where you live, this was likely your best chance to get a glimpse of this phenomenon before a the long stretch to 2029.
Photos of the blood moon during the lunar eclipse
Celestial fans have been treated to a rather stacked lineup the past few years, but this eclipse was the last of three consecutive total lunar eclipses; the first occurred in March 2025, and the second took place in September 2025.
Since the blood moon occurred just before sunrise in the early morning, many had to wake up quite early to see the phenomenon.
Consequently, homeowners farther west in places like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland, OR, had the better view, as the moon was higher in the sky during the “red” (totality) phase, allowing them to see more of the eclipse before it drops below the horizon.
Still, cloudy skies in many areas dimmed the brightness of the red glow, and it was better seen in cities in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.
The farther east, the more homeowners were in a race against the sun; and as the moon dimmed, so did the chance of seeing the lunar eclipse in full. Still, in cities like New York and Philadelphia, the chance of seeing a partial blood moon was high given the lack of cloud cover that early in the morning.
NASA reported that along with the lunar eclipse, several constellations were easier to spot than usual during a full moon. In fact, at the time of the eclipse, the moon was in line within the constellation Leo, just under the lion’s hind paws.
What time was the blood moon?
According to Time and Date, the March 3 total lunar eclipse key viewing times for this event varied across various time zones:
- Eastern Time: 6:04-7:02 a.m. EST on March 3, 2026 (the moon will set during totality in the Eastern time zone)
- Central Time: 5:04-6:02 a.m. CST on March 3, 2026
- Mountain Time: 4:04-5:02 a.m. MST on March 3, 2026
- Pacific Time: 3:04-4:02 a.m PST on March 3, 2026
- Alaska Time: 2:04-3:02 a.m. AKST on March 3, 2026
- Hawaii Time: 1:04-2:02 a.m. HST on March 3, 2026
For those who missed the blood moon, a live stream had been set up to enjoy from the comfort of your home and is replaying key moments of the eclipse to be enjoyed.
