March 3 total lunar eclipse: Where and when to see the ‘blood moon’ from the US
Sky watchers in western North America will have the chance to witness a total lunar eclipse, often nicknamed a “blood moon”, in the early morning hours of March 3.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon – in this case, the full “Worm Moon” of March – passes through Earth’s shadow in space. In doing so, it appears red, because it is illuminated only by sunlight filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere.
This encompasses the night side of Earth, which at the time of the eclipse will be centered on the Pacific Ocean. This puts Hawaii, Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands in pole position, but East Asia, Australia, New Zealand and western North America will also benefit from great views.
In North America, those west of the Mississippi River will witness the entire spectacle, while observers farther east, including those in cities like New York, Boston and Toronto, will see the moon adjustment during the entirety. Early risers along the West Coast and in Hawaii will have a good chance of seeing the entire sequence high in the sky. Clear skies will be key, making the southwest United States and northwest Mexico the most likely locations to see the event in its entirety.
Here are the times for the total phase of the eclipse, according to time and date:
EST: 6:04 a.m. to 7:02 a.m. (Moonset will occur during this time.)
CST: 5:04 a.m. – 6:02 a.m.
MST: 4:04 a.m. to 5:02 a.m.
PST: 3:04 a.m. to 4:02 a.m.
AKST: 2:04-3:02
HST: 1:04 a.m. to 2:02 a.m.
Although totality is the main attraction, it is also worth observing the partial phases that precede and follow totality, when the edge of Earth’s shadow can be seen moving slowly across the lunar surface.
The March 3 event will be the first total lunar eclipse since September 2025 and the last until December 31, 2028, when a celebratory “blood moon” on New Year’s Eve will kick off a trio of total lunar eclipses, the next two occurring on June 25 and 26 and December 20, 2029.
