What time does the total lunar eclipse start? See the full timeline
What time does the total lunar eclipse start? See the full timeline
Julia Gomez, USA TODAYMon, March 2, 2026 at 11:06 AM UTC
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Get ready for the Moon to put on a show!
If you’re up early Tuesday, March 3, it’s worth taking a look at the sky. In the pre‑dawn hours, the full Moon will slide completely into Earth’s shadow, creating a total lunar eclipse. And because it’s also March’s full moon — known as the Worm Moon — it’s a two‑for‑one treat for skywatchers.
So why does the Moon turn red? As Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, it blocks direct sunlight. But a little light still sneaks through Earth’s atmosphere, where blue light gets scattered and red light bends around the planet. That reddish glow reaches the Moon, giving it that coppery look or “blood moon” glow.
Here's what to know.
1 / 0See stunning images of the 2025 'Blood Moon' and total lunar eclipseThe Moon appears from behind the Tokyo Skytree during a total lunar eclipse in the middle of the night above the Japanese capital early on September 8, 2025. Stargazers enjoyed a "Blood Moon" overnight on September 7 during a total lunar eclipse visible across Asia and swathes of Europe and Africa.What time will the eclipse be visible?
Early risers will have the best view. The eclipse gets underway around 4 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 3, with totality lasting until about 7 a.m. ET, while a partial eclipse will continue until roughly 9 a.m. ET.
The early stages are easy to miss, but once totality begins, the Moon's color shift is unmistakable.
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For tips on watching the eclipse, and spotting stars and planets, NASA's What's Up guide is a helpful resource. Binoculars or a telescope can bring out more detail, and heading somewhere dark, away from bright lights, will make the show even better.
The full moon is totally within Earth's shadow and glows with a reddish color during the total lunar eclipse photographed early on the morning of Jan. 21, 2019.Do you need special glasses?
Nope. Unlike solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye, according to NASA. Binoculars or a telescope can make the colors pop, but they’re optional.
Can I see the eclipse anywhere in the world?
The eclipse will be visible across much of North America, while parts of Central Asia and South America will see a partial eclipse. It will not be visible in Europe or Africa, according to NASA.
Why it’s a big deal
This will be the only total lunar eclipse visible anywhere in the world in 2026. After Tuesday morning, the next chance to see a blood moon won’t come until late 2028.
Stages of the lunar eclipse (ET) -
3:44 a.m. ET- Penumbral eclipse begins; the Moon enters Earth's outer shadow
4:50 a.m. ET- Partial eclipse begins; a "bite" appears on the Moon
6:04 a.m. ET- Totality begins; the Moon turns dark red or orange
7:03 a.m. ET- Totality ends
8:17 a.m. ET- Partial eclipse ends, and the dimming of the moon will begin
9:23 a.m. ET- The eclipse is over
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What time is the total lunar eclipse? See the 'blood moon' schedule
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