August's "almost Blood Moon" partial lunar eclipse has come and gone, delighting stargazers with a gorgeous natural light show as light filtered by our planet's atmosphere turned it a deep crimson around the point of maximum eclipse.

But when is the next lunar eclipse?

Earth won't darken the moon again until Feb. 20, 2027, when a penumbral eclipse will cast our planet's soft outer shadow across February's full "Snow Moon", so named for the freezing weather that occurs around the time it rises.

The darkening will be incredibly subtle compared to that of a partial lunar eclipse, where the moon passes into Earth's intense inner shadow — the umbra — revealing our planet's curved silhouette on the lunar surface.

Our planet's deeper umbral shadow will miss the moon entirely on Feb. 20, 2027, setting the stage for an understated show of orbital mechanics, as the moon's silver lustre is almost imperceptibly dimmed by Earth's penumbra.

The soft penumbral shadow will be most apparent at 6:12 p.m. EST (2312 GMT) on Feb. 20, as the moon passes closer to our planet's umbra, according to Time and Date. The shadow will be deepest around the moon's north polar region, but even then the effect will be very subtle.

A good photography exercise would be to capture an image of the Snow Moon at the point of maximum eclipse, to compare with a photo of a regular full moon. Be sure to read our guide to photographing the moon and our picks of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography if you're looking to upgrade your gear.

Read more: What is a blood moon, and when can you see the next one?

The next lunar eclipse to rival August's won't occur until New Year's Eve in December 2028, when a magnificent total lunar eclipse will transform Earth's satellite into a magnificent "Blood Moon" in the skies over Asia, Australia and the Pacific.

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

A gorgeous partial lunar eclipse delighted stargazers overnight on Aug. 27-28, as Earth's shadow darkened the full "Sturgeon Moon" in an impressive display of orbital mechanics, and we've got the photos to prove it!

The lunar eclipse occurred as Earth passed between the sun and the moon, granting viewers a spectacular view of our planet's deep umbral shadow as it advanced to cover 96% of the lunar disk, leaving a tiny crescent exposed to direct sunlight.

Photographers were ready and waiting to capture the moon as it turned blood red around the point of maximum eclipse on Aug. 28, as light filtered through Earth's atmosphere via Rayleigh Scattering saturated its shadowed surface. Read on to see our favorite photos of the Aug. 27-28 partial lunar eclipse.

Partial lunar eclipse August 2026: Best photos from around the world

We kick off with a gorgeous photo of the full moon was captured from the Hungarian village of Zsujta by Robert Nemeti just as Earth's shadow took its first "bite" out of the lunar disk, shortly after the partial phase of the eclipse began at 10:33 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0233 GMT on Aug. 28).

Tycho Crater is visible in the lower region of the lunar disk close to the shadow, while bright ejecta rays of reflective material brighten the darker lunar seas, where lava solidified to form basaltic plains billions of years ago.

The eclipsed moon shared the stage with the Parthenon in Athens in this tranquil wide-angle photo from Costas Baltas. Earth's curved silhouette can be seen clearly on the lunar disk, serving as proof of our planet's spherical shape, just as it did for the ancient Greek philosophers who helped pioneer the idea over 2,000 years ago.

Giuseppe Pappa created a stunning composite image of the eclipse depicting Earth's shadow as it rolled across the lunar surface during the partial phase from Pedara, Sicily.

Pappa snapped the images using a Canon 760D with a 300 mm lens to capture the lunar seas standing out on the remaining sunlit portion of the lunar surface.

This atmospheric view of the partially eclipsed moon shining over the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkiye, was taken by Isa Terli.

Kevin McCarthy captured a spectacular view as the eclipsed moon shone blood red in the skies over North Carolina, after a brief weather scare!

"With thunderstorms in the area throughout the night, I was worried I may miss the chance to capture this event," McCarthy told Space.com. "But, at the last minute, as the maximum shadow coverage approached, the clouds parted long enough for me to get the shot."

Photographer Josh Dury snapped his own incredible view of that same eclipsed lunar disk as glowed in the predawn sky over the United Kingdom

"The fantastic moment when the moon turned red," Dury said to Space.com. "Nearly didn't get this image due to unexpected fog at my first location. My gut said - 'move'. Approaching the peak of the eclipse this was the image I was able to capture."

The almost blood moon's crimson coloring was also on full display in this shot from Mauro Pimentel, taken as a thin crescent of the lunar disk was left exposed to direct sunlight in the skies over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Another stunning composite view of last night's lunar shenanigans was taken by Kohinoor Kar, who documented the transformation of the lunar disk from full Sturgeon Moon to an eclipsed near-blood moon from Phoenix, Arizona.

Photographer Lorenzo Di Cola lined up a stunning shot of the full moon as it glowed close to the Rocca Calascio fortress in Calascio, Italy, on Aug. 28, as Earth's shadow retreated from the lunar disk following the point of maximum eclipse.

Finally, Angel Martinez captured this gorgeous shot of the eclipsed Sturgeon Moon setting behind a cluster of skyscrapers in Madrid, Spain, as atmospheric effects distorted the true color and outline of the lunar disk.

The next great lunar eclipse won't occur until New Year's Eve in December 2028, when a blood moon eclipse will transform Earth's satellite for 5.3 billion people across Asia, Australia and the Pacific, along with parts of Europe, Africa and the U.S.

Thankfully, we'll only have to wait until Feb. 6, 2027, for the next annular solar eclipse, when the moon will pass in front of the sun to create a magnificent 'ring of fire' along a narrow path crossing South America and West Africa.

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

August's 96% partial lunar eclipse has been and gone, putting on a mesmerizing show for stargazers across the night side of Earth as out planet's shadow slipped silently across the face of the moon, forcing it to adopt a striking crimson hue at the point of maximum eclipse.

Check out our partial lunar eclipse photo roundup for striking views of the event captured from around the world.

Tonight (Aug. 27-28), the full Sturgeon Moon will slip into Earth's shadow, creating a stunning "almost blood moon" as up to 96.2% of the lunar surface disappears into the darkest part of our planet's shadow, the umbra.

At maximum eclipse, much of the moon may take on an eerie reddish hue as sunlight filtered through Earth's atmosphere is refracted into the shadow and onto the lunar surface. Only a thin sliver of moon will escape Earth's umbra, appearing as a bright arc against an otherwise dim, rusty-red lunar disk.

Lunar eclipses are entirely safe to watch with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, you don't need filters or certified glasses. Just find the moon at the right time, then simply sit back, relax and enjoy the show. If you can't watch the eclipse in person, you can watch all the action unfold here on Space.com with these free livestreams, weather permitting. You can also follow along with the latest updates with our lunar eclipse live blog.

Who can see it?

The partial lunar eclipse favors observers across North and South America. About 12% of the world's population — 987 million people — will be able to see all phases of the eclipse, according to Time and Date, weather permitting.

Skywatchers across parts of Europe and Africa will also see the lunar eclipse. However, for many observers, including those in the UK, the moon will set shortly after maximum eclipse, cutting off the later stages of the partial phase.

When to look

The eclipse reaches its maximum at 12:12 a.m. EDT (0412 GMT) on Aug. 28, when 96.2% of the lunar surface will be covered by Earth's dark umbral shadow.

But if you have the time, it's worth settling in to watch as much of the eclipse as possible, particularly from the start of the partial phase at around 10:33 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0233 GMT on Aug. 28).

The penumbral phase begins earlier, at 9:23 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0123 GMT on Aug. 28), but the initial dimming will be extremely subtle because Earth's outer penumbral shadow is so faint.

I'd recommend starting your observations when the partial phase starts. From then on, you'll see Earth's shadow take progressively larger "bites" out of the moon. It can almost feel like watching the moon's monthly phases sped up into just a few hours as its appearance changes before your eyes.

Editor's Note: If you capture a photo of the August lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

August's 96% partial lunar eclipse has been and gone, putting on a mesmerizing show for stargazers across the night side of Earth as out planet's shadow slipped silently across the face of the moon, forcing it to adopt a striking crimson hue at the point of maximum eclipse.

Check out our partial lunar eclipse photo roundup for striking views of the event captured from around the world.

A spectacular partial lunar eclipse will darken 96% of the full "Sturgeon Moon" tonight (Aug. 27-28). Here's how you can watch the "almost blood moon eclipse" live online from the comfort of your home.

Each phase of the partial lunar eclipse will occur simultaneously for everyone on the night side of Earth. But if clouds ruin your view — or the moon is below the horizon at the time of the eclipse — there's no need to fret!

Read on to discover a selection of YouTube live streams that'll let you watch each phase of the August partial lunar eclipse online for free. You can also follow along with all the action with our lunar eclipse live blog.

Time and Date

Time and Date will host a livestream of the eclipse on its YouTube channel starting at 10 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0200 GMT on Aug. 28). The stream will feature real-time views of the Sturgeon Moon as Earth's shadow darkens its surface in the skies above Portugal and Spain, weather permitting.

Experienced hosts astrophysicist Graham Jones and Journalist Anne Buckle will provide expert commentary and scientific insights on the nature of the eclipse throughout the event.

The Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles' famous Griffith Observatory will also host a livestream, which will begin at 10:25 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0225 GMT on Aug. 28), providing live views — and public onsite viewing — as the moon turns a deep crimson at the peak of the lunar eclipse.

The Virtual Telescope Project

The Virtual Telescope Project YouTube stream of the lunar eclipse starts at 9:30 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (1:30 GMT on Aug. 28), featuring live views of the Sturgeon Moon captured by telescopes in Manciano, Italy and Chile. The stream will be accompanied by commentary and insights from astrophysicist and astronomer Gianluca Masi.

Be sure to read our live blog for all the latest eclipse news, along with our articles discussing what to expect from each stage, what time they will occur and where the almost Blood Moon will be visible from.

You can also read up on how to capture the moon using our lunar eclipse photography guide and peruse our picks of the best cameras and lenses available for astrophotography in 2026.

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

August's 96% partial lunar eclipse has been and gone, putting on a mesmerizing show for stargazers across the night side of Earth as out planet's shadow slipped silently across the face of the moon, forcing it to adopt a striking crimson hue at the point of maximum eclipse.

Check out our partial lunar eclipse photo roundup for striking views of the event captured from around the world.

A dramatic partial lunar eclipse will occur tonight (Aug. 27-28), with almost the entire moon slipping into Earth's shadow.

At its peak, at 12:12 a.m. EDT (0412 GMT) on Aug. 28, 96.2% of the lunar surface will be covered by Earth's dark umbral shadow, leaving only a slender portion of the moon directly illuminated by the sun. The rest of the lunar surface may take on an eerie reddish-orange hue, creating an impressive 'almost blood moon'. The eclipse will be visible from North and South America, Europe and Africa, though exactly how much you'll see will depend on your location (and clouds!).

You can follow along with all the action with our lunar eclipse live blog, and watch the eclipse online with these lunar eclipse livestreams.

Lunar eclipse timings

1. The eclipse begins when the moon enters Earth's faint outer shadow at 9:23 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0123 GMT on Aug. 28).
2. Things get much more interesting at 10:33 p.m. EDT (0233 GMT), when the partial eclipse begins and Earth's dark umbral shadow starts to creep across the lunar surface.
3. Maximum eclipse occurs at 12:12 a.m. EDT (0412 GMT) on Aug. 28, when 96.2% of the moon will be immersed in Earth's umbra.
4. The partial phase ends at 1:51 a.m. EDT (0551 GMT), with the penumbral eclipse concluding at 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT).

North and South America are particularly well-placed for the entire eclipse.

For European skywatchers, the eclipse takes place during the early morning of Aug. 28, with the moon setting while the partial eclipse is still underway. From London, maximum eclipse occurs at 5:12 a.m. BST, just over an hour before moonset.

How to view the lunar eclipse

Unlike a solar eclipse, you don't need any special equipment to view a lunar eclipse. Simply head outside and look up. If you own binoculars or a telescope, take a look through them for an even better view of Earth's shadow sweeping across the lunar surface.

If you're interested in trying to capture an impressive photograph of the lunar eclipse, check out our expert's guide on how to photograph a lunar eclipse, along with a roundup of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.

Editor's Note: If you capture a photo of the August lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

Here's what to expect during each stage of the Aug. 27-28 partial lunar eclipse, as our planet's colossal shadow swallows 96% of the moon's surface for billions on the night side of Earth.

August's lunar eclipse is the closing act of a dramatic two-part show, the opening act of which began on Aug. 12 as the moon covered the face of the sun to trigger a spectacular total solar eclipse over parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

You can follow along with all the action with our lunar eclipse live blog, and watch the eclipse online with these lunar eclipse livestreams.

Eclipses always come in pairs, but the stages to be expe

cted during a lunar eclipse are staggeringly different from its solar equivalent. One major bonus of a lunar eclipse is that each stage unfolds simultaneously for everyone on the night side of Earth, where the lunar disk is above the horizon. However, the local time for each stage will differ based on your location.

Lunar eclipses are also completely safe to view with the naked eye, or even through a pair of binoculars of a telescope, which will offer a magnified view of the moon as Earth's shadow sweeps across its cratered landscape.

Earth's shadow is divided into two concentric cones that are only visible during the brief window of a lunar eclipse. The outer penumbral cone casts a soft, wide shadow, while the inner umbra reveals the distinct curve of Earth's silhouette.

The 5 stages of the partial lunar eclipse August 2026

Stage 1: Earth's penumbral shadow sweeps across the moon

The eclipse officially begins at 9:23 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0123GMT on Aug. 28), as Earth's outer penumbral shadow begins to cover the moon's surface, according to TimeandDate.com.

Darkening of the lunar disk during this stage is incredibly subtle, becoming most apparent in the moments before Earth's inner shadow appears to transform August's "Sturgeon Moon", which is named for the time of year when the large fish were easily caught in North America.

Stage 2: Partial lunar eclipse begins

Earth's inner umbral shadow will take its first "bite" out of the moon at 10:33 EDT on Aug. 27 (0233 GMT on Aug. 28), announcing the start of the partial phase of today's deep lunar eclipse.

The umbral shadow will first appear as a small semicircle of shadow close to the dark expanses of Oceanus Procellarum (the Ocean of Storms) and Mare Humorum on the moon's southwestern edge, before swiftly spreading to swallow the nearby moonscape.

This partial phase of a lunar eclipse is the only opportunity most of us will get to see the grand sweep of Earth's silhouette with our own eyes, as our planet performs like a doll in a cosmic marionette, casting its shape in shadow against the backdrop of its natural satellite.

Stage 3: Maximum eclipse

The eclipse will reach its peak at 12:12 a.m. EDT (0412 GMT) on Aug. 28, as 96% of the lunar disk is smothered in Earth's umbral shadow, leaving a dazzling crescent exposed to direct sunlight on the moon's northern limb.

Around this time, you may notice a subtle red hue infuse the moon, as sunlight filtered through Earth's atmosphere is refracted, or bent onto its surface. It may appear as if the light from every sunset and sunrise on Earth is simultaneously striking the lunar disk, revealing prominent craters and dark lunar seas in spite of the shadow covering it.

Stage 4: Earth's inner shadow slips from the moon

Earth's inner umbral shadow will steadily retreat from the moon in the hours. The crimson hue that may have been visible at the height of the eclipse will gradually fade as the crescent of the lunar disk exposed to direct sunlight grows, and normality reasserts itself over the natural satellite.

The last vestige of Earth's inner shadow will depart the lunar surface at 1:51 a.m. EDT (0551 GMT) on Aug. 28.

Stage 5: Earth's outer shadow exits the Sturgeon Moon

Our planet's outer penumbral shadow will disappear from the Sturgeon Moon shortly after at 3:01 a.m. EDT (0701 GMT), bringing the eclipse to an end. We won't see another like it until New Year's Eve 2028, when a total lunar eclipse will be visible across Asia, Australia and Europe

Eager to photograph August's partial lunar eclipse? Then be sure to read our expert's guide on how to photograph a lunar eclipse, along with a roundup of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography. You should also check out our picks of the best binoculars and telescopes available in 2026, which will give you a closer look at the moon as Earth's shadow swallows its ancient surface.

Editor's Note: If you capture a photo of the August lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

Earth's shadow will swallow 96% of the lunar surface tonight (Aug. 27-28), potentially turning the moon a gorgeous shade of crimson as it bathes in light filtered and refracted by our planet's atmosphere.

The partial lunar eclipse will occur as Earth passes between the sun and the moon. Around this time, Earth's curved inner shadow will appear to creep across the lunar surface while leaving a thin crescent exposed to direct sunlight at the point of maximum eclipse. But who will actually get to see it? As usual, it's all a matter of location.

You can follow along with all the action with our lunar eclipse live blog, and watch the eclipse online with these lunar eclipse livestreams.

Where is the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse visible?

The Aug. 27-28 partial lunar eclipse will be visible to roughly 3.3 billion people spread across North America, South America and parts of Europe and Africa. Each phase will occur simultaneously for everyone watching from Earth, through the local timings for each eclipse phase will vary depending on your location.

For stargazers on the West Coast of America in cities like Los Angeles, California and Portland, Oregon, the point of maximum eclipse will arrive just a few hours after sunset. While anyone watching from East Coast cities including New York and Jacksonville will see the lunar spectacle peak around midnight local time.

For the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, the eclipse will be an early morning affair, occurring shortly before sunrise as the moon arcs low towards the western horizon. You can check the exact timings and altitude of the moon during key phases of the Aug. 27-28 eclipse on TimeandDate.com.

The full extent of a partial lunar eclipse can be enjoyed by anyone who happens to be on the night side of Earth at the time that it occurs. You also won't need safety glasses or specialized equipment to view a lunar eclipse. It'll look magnificent to the naked eye, though binoculars, or even a telescope can heighten the experience by granting a magnified view of the moon as Earth's shadow slowly marches across its cratered surface!

Sadly, the moon will be out of sight below the horizon for anyone on the day side of Earth as the eclipse unfolds, making it impossible to view with the naked eye from a host of countries including Australia, India, China and Japan to name but a few.

But we've got you covered.

Space.com will be sharing details on how to watch the partial lunar eclipse live online closer to the time, along with all the latest news via our live blog. Why not also read up our expert tips on how to photograph the moon using a DSLR or mirrorless camera to ensure that you're ready to immortalize the deepest lunar eclipse until New Years Eve 2028-2029?

Editor's Note: If you capture a photo of the partial lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

We're just one week away from a stunning partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 27-28, when billions across North America, South America, Africa and Europe will see Earth's shadow dye the moon a subtle crimson hue, while leaving a thin crescent exposed to direct sunlight.

August's partial lunar eclipse will occur as Earth passes directly between the sun and moon during the full moon phase — an imperfect alignment that will see our planet's intense inner shadow cover 96% of the visible face of our natural satellite.

Stargazers on the night side of Earth will catch their first glimpse of our planet's umbra (the darkest, innermost part of its shadow) creeping onto the moon's surface at 10:33 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0233 GMT on Aug. 28), according to TimeandDate.com. The vast shadow will continue its advance across the crater-scarred landscape in the hours that follow, until it hits the point of maximum eclipse at 12:12 a.m. EDT on Aug. 28 (0412 GMT).

Around this time, you may notice the shadowed region of the moon take on a reddish-orange color, as sunlight filtered through Earth's atmosphere is bent onto the lunar surface — a phenomenon often referred to as a "Blood Moon" during a total eclipse.

Each phase of a lunar eclipse occurs simultaneously for everyone viewing from the night side of Earth, where the lunar disk is visible. However, local timings will differ significantly depending on your location on Earth.

If you're watching from a city on the West Coast of the United States like California, then the point of maximum eclipse will occur shortly after midnight local time on the night of Aug. 27-28.

Viewers in the United Kingdom, meanwhile, won't observe the moment of maximum eclipse until shortly before sunrise on Aug. 28, as the moon lurks low on the southwestern horizon. Be sure to check out a trusted website like TimeandDate for eclipse timings specific to your location.

You won't need any special kit to protect your eyes during a lunar eclipse as you would during a solar eclipse, when there is a serious risk of vision damage from looking directly upon the sun. However, a pair of quality binoculars or a telescope will give you a stunning view of Earth's shadow as it races across the lunar disk.

Need to upgrade your equipment? Then be sure to read our roundups of the best binoculars and telescopes available in 2026. You should also check out our guide to photographing a lunar eclipse, along with our picks of the top cameras and lenses for astrophotography.

Editor's Note: If you capture a photo of the lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

One month from today, skywatchers across the Americas, Europe and Africa will have the chance to witness the best lunar eclipse until New Year's Eve 2028.

On Aug. 28, Earth's shadow will cover up to 96% of the moon's disk in an exceptionally deep partial lunar eclipse. At maximum eclipse, only a thin sliver of the moon will remain outside Earth's darkest shadow, creating an "almost blood moon" with nearly the entire lunar surface glowing a deep reddish-orange.

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to observe with the naked eye and requires no special equipment. All you need is clear skies and a view of the moon.

Where can I see the lunar eclipse?

The eclipse will be visible across Europe, Africa, the Americas and parts of western Asia, though exactly what you'll see depends on your location.

The Americas are particularly well-placed to catch the eclipse's most dramatic stages, as many locations will see the moon rise already deep within Earth's shadow. Across eastern North America, observers will see the "almost blood moon" climb above the horizon shortly before or during maximum eclipse.

Across Europe and Africa, the eclipse occurs before dawn on Aug. 28. Observers in the U.K. and western Europe will see the moon low in the western sky during the final stages of the eclipse, before it sets shortly after maximum. Farther east, progressively less of the eclipse will be visible before moonset.

• North & South America: Best overall views
• Europe & Africa: Excellent predawn moonset eclipse
• Western Asia: Limited views before moonset
• Eastern Asia: Little or no visibility.

What will it look like?

Because 96% of the moon will pass through Earth's central dark shadow, known as the umbra, this eclipse is expected to look remarkably similar to a total lunar eclipse or a "blood moon" lunar eclipse. The moon will likely take on a deep coppery-red hue with only a narrow bright silver lining remaining.

Follow along with Space.com

Over the coming month, Space.com will bring you everything you need to prepare for eclipse night. From viewing guides and photographing the event to a live blog bringing you the latest news and action from the best lunar eclipse until NYE 2028. We'll also be releasing details on how you can watch the eclipse online if you're unable to catch it in person.

On Aug. 27-28, 2026, a very deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Africa, North America and South America, with just over 96% of the moon passing into Earth's shadow.

Lunar eclipses happen when Earth is between the sun and a full moon. During the event, the moon moves through Earth's umbra, the dark center of its shadow.

You can follow along with all the action with our lunar eclipse live blog, and watch the eclipse online with these lunar eclipse livestreams.

Where will the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse be visible?

The best views of the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse will be from North and South America. According to Time and Date, about 12% of the world's population — 987 million people — will see all phases of the eclipse (penumbral and partial), while around 16% — 1.3 billion — will see all of the partial phase. Viewing conditions will depend on the local weather, with western U.S. states, northern Chile and inland Brazil statistically offering the best odds of clear skies.

What will happen during the partial lunar eclipse?

The Aug. 27-28, 2026, event will be the first deep partial lunar eclipse anywhere in the world since Sept. 18, 2024, and the last until Jan. 11-12, 2028 (when only 2.4% of the moon will be in Earth's umbral shadow). As such, 2026's partial lunar eclipse will be the most impressive lunar eclipse until a total lunar eclipse on Dec. 31, 2028.

During the August 2026 eclipse, the full "Sturgeon Moon" will rise and, later that night, pass into Earth's umbral shadow. As it does, the full moon will dim and, as the partial eclipse reaches its peak, look slightly reddish-orange. However, it won't be a true "blood moon" because at no point will there be lunar totality — when the entire lunar surface falls under Earth's shadow. The eclipse — including both the slight penumbral (when the moon drifts into Earth's fuzzy outer shadow) and partial phases — will last 5 hours, 38 minutes.

This partial lunar eclipse will occur just over five days after the moon reaches apogee — its farthest point from Earth on its slightly elliptical orbit — making it of average apparent size.

What time is the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse in North America?

Lunar eclipses occur at the same universal time worldwide, but the local clock time and whether the moon is above the horizon vary by location. This one will happen between 9:23 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Aug. 27, and 3:01 a.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 28 (0123 and 0701 GMT on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026) with the peak of the event — when 96.2% of the lunar surface will appear reddish — happening at 0412 GMT. That translates to the following local times in North America:

• Eastern time: 12:12 a.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026
• Central time: 11:12 p.m. CDT on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
• Mountain time: 10:12 p.m. MDT on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
• Pacific time: 9:12 p.m. PDT on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
• Alaska time: 8:12 p.m. AKDT on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

These are the times for maximum eclipse only. However, it's worth looking at the moon about 39 minutes before these times to see the edge of Earth's shadow inch across the lunar surface as the partial phase builds (and vice versa after maximum eclipse).

What time is the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse in Europe?

In Europe, the eclipse will occur early on Friday, Aug. 28, but it will set during the partial phase.

Here's when maximum eclipse will occur in various locations within Europe (further east of these locations, maximum eclipse is not visible):

• London, U.K.: 5:12 a.m. BST on Aug. 28, 2026 (sunrise at 6:06 a.m. BST, moonset at 6:15 a.m. BST)
• Paris, France: 6:12 a.m. CEST on Aug. 28, 2026 (sunrise at 7:01 a.m. CEST, moonset at 7:09 a.m. CEST)
• Madrid, Spain: 6:12 a.m. CEST on Aug. 28, 2026 (sunrise at 7:38 a.m. CEST, moonset at 7:46 a.m. CEST)
• Brussels, Belgium: 6:12 a.m. CEST on Aug. 28, 2026 (sunrise at 6:49 a.m. CEST, moonset at 6:58 a.m. CEST)
• Berlin, Germany: 6:12 a.m. CEST on Aug. 28, 2026 (sunrise at 6:10 a.m. CEST, moonset at 6:17 a.m. CEST)

When is the next total lunar eclipse?

Here are the dates and locations for upcoming total lunar eclipses:

• Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 2028-2029: A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Northern and Western North America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Arctic.
• June 25-26, 2029: A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Western Asia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and Antarctica.
• Dec. 20-21, 2029: A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Northern and Western Australia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and the Arctic.

Additional resources

Want to look further ahead? You can find a concise summary of lunar eclipses out to 2026 here on Space.com. Read more about solar and lunar eclipses on EclipseWise.com, a website dedicated to predictions of eclipses, and find beautiful maps on eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler's EclipseAtlas.com and interactive Google Maps on Xavier Jubier's eclipse website. You can find climate and weather predictions by meteorologist Jay Anderson on eclipsophile.com.

Bibliography

Jubier, X. (n.d.). Lunar eclipses: Interactive Google Maps. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from http://xjubier.free.fr/n/site_pages/Lunar_Eclipses.html

Time and Date. (n.d.). Partial Lunar Eclipse on 28 Aug 2026: Map & Times. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2026-august-28

Cameron Smith, I. Partial Lunar Eclipse of 28 Aug, 2026 AD. Retrieved May 5, 2026, from: https://moonblink.info/Eclipse/eclipse/2026_08_28

The March 3 total lunar eclipse has been and gone, astounding skywatchers around the world with a breathtaking display of orbital mechanics as the lunar disk plunged into Earth's umbral shadow, transforming it into a crimson-hued blood moon.

A total lunar eclipse occurs as Earth passes between the moon and the sun during a full moon phase. No direct sunlight can reach the lunar surface during totality, as the lunar disk passes through the deepest part of our planet's shadow, known as its umbra. Instead, the moon is doused in sunlight that has been filtered by Earth's atmosphere — which is adept at scattering blue light while allowing longer redder wavelengths to pass relatively unhindered — causing it to turn a rusty, blood red color.

Totality was visible across large parts of the Americas, Asia and Oceania, many of whom captured gorgeous photos as Earth's shadow swept across the March full moon, providing a brief reminder of the grand scale of the orbital mechanics governing our solar system.

Read on to see a selection of mesmerizing images of the March 3 blood moon and don't forget to check out our total lunar eclipse live blog if you're looking for a recap of yesterday's spectacular event.

Spectacular photos of the total lunar eclipse 2026

Our first photo of the eclipsed moon was captured by Phil Walter as it hung in the skies over Auckland, New Zealand, as Earth's shadow began its tentative creep over the western edge of the lunar disk during the partial phase. Remember: Images of the moon captured from the southern hemisphere appear "upside down" compared to what northern hemisphere viewers are used to seeing, while shots taken near the equator are more likely to show the moon resting on its side.

Ted Aljibe took another striking image of the lunar disk as it glowed orange over the city of Manila in the Philippines. Its striking color here isn't a result of the eclipse, but rather the lunar disk's proximity to the horizon in the period directly following moonrise, when its reflected sunlight has to make a prolonged journey through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters blue light.

That same moon was spotted just a few minutes later from Beijing, China, by photographer Fred Lee. The lunar sea Mare Crisium (the Sea of Crisis) is just visible as a dark circular feature at the top of the sunlit lunar disk, where lava flooded a network of impact craters over a billion years ago, before hardening into a vast basaltic plain.

Lee also snapped a wide-angle shot of the moon as direct sunlight illuminated a thin crescent of its outer disk, mere minutes before the onset of totality, as the Beijing skyline stretched out below, pouring light into the night sky. Sunlight refracted through Earth's atmosphere can already be seen softly illuminating the shadowed part of the lunar disk, making lunar maria visible to the naked eye.

The moon took on a foreboding crimson hue as it slipped into the deepest part of Earth's umbral shadow. Tayfun Coskun captured the lunar disk soon after the period of totality began, documenting the deep orange-red hue of its surface. A patch of bluish light can also be spotted on the lower edge of the lunar disk. This fleeting phenomenon, sometimes known as the "turquoise band," occurs when red light is scattered by the ozone layer in Earth's upper atmosphere, which allows the blue wavelengths of light through to bend onto the lunar surface, according to Time and Date.

Ezra Acayan snapped a glorious photo of the blood moon as it glowed through a gap in the clouds over the city of Santa Rosa in the Philippines, as faint stars fought for attention close by.

Acayan combined several images into a stunning composite view, revealing the sweeping progress of Earth's shadow in impressive detail during the partial and total phases of the blood moon eclipse.

Astrophotographer Keith Odendahl took a beautifully detailed image of the fully-eclipsed moon as it glowed in the sky over the city of Price in Utah. Bright streaks known as ejecta rays can be seen streaking away from young impact craters in Odendahl's photo, whose existence testifies to the incredible force unleashed in their creation.

Trần Hữu Thịnh captured another beautiful composite view of the total and waning partial phases of the blood moon eclipse as they unfolded over Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam on March 3, soon after sunset for that part of the world.

Tang Chhin, meanwhile, took a photo of the waning partial phase of the eclipse, as Earth's curved shadow slipped from the lunar disk, revealing the ancient lava plains of Mare Imbrium, Procellarum, Nubium and Humorum. The 51-mile (82-kilometer) expanse of the Tycho impact crater can also be seen, dominating the brighter right side of the lunar portrait.

Finally, Lauren DeCicca captured this gorgeous image of the uneclipsed lunar disk from Chiang Mai, Thailand on March 3.

With the March blood moon in the rearview mirror, you'll have to wait until New Year's Eve 2028 for the next total lunar eclipse. Thankfully, there's still plenty more eclipse action to come this year, including a spectacular total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, which will see the path of totality fall across Greenland, Iceland and Spain as the lunar disk completely blocks out the face of our parent star.

Hoping to catch a glimpse of the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse? Then you're going to need to pick up a pair of quality eclipse glasses to protect your eyes, such as the model listed above, or if you want a closer look, you could opt for a set of specialized sunoculars.

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

An incredible total lunar eclipse is still unfolding across North America, though totality has now come to an end. Earth's shadow transformed the full moon into a dramatic blood moon earlier tonight and the first mesmerizing images are already pouring in.

Breathtaking views of both the partial and spectacular blood moon phases of the total lunar eclipse are already flooding the internet, captured by photographers situated in America and Oceania.

While totality has ended, the eclipse is far from over. Be sure to follow along with our total lunar eclipse live blog and to read our watch live article to discover where to stream the eclipse online for free!

First views of the March 3 total lunar eclipse

Mirko Harnisch and the Dunedin Astronomical Society captured a gorgeous view of the full moon during the partial eclipse phase from New Zealand, as seen in this still from The Virtual Telescope Project livestream.

The image was captured shortly after Earth's curved inner shadow began its slow journey across the lunar disk, darkening the lunar seas sprawling across the western portion of its surface. The March full moon is commonly known as the Worm Moon and is named for the time of year when the ground softens to allow earthworms and burrowing beetles to emerge.

Photographer Ted Aljibe captured a gorgeous view of the partially eclipsed full moon as it rose over the city of Manila in the Philippines, as Earth's shadow veiled the lower part of its disk.

Our next view comes courtesy of Time and Date and was taken as a small crescent of the lunar disk peeked out around the massive sweep of our planet's umbral shadow late into the partial phase. The dark basaltic plain of Mare Crisium (the Sea of Crisis) can be seen as a small oval at the top of the sunlit portion, with Mare Fecunditatis (the Sea of Fertility) below, marking regions where liquid lava once flooded the lunar surface.

Harnisch and the Dunedin Astronomical Society were able to capture another gorgeous view of the lunar disk as it hung over New Zealand during totality, as sunlight filtered by Earth's atmosphere was bent onto its ancient surface, transforming the worm moon into a dramatic blood moon.

Time and Date provided yet another perspective of the blood moon from its mobile observatory in Yucca Valley, California, in which the outlines of the lunar seas can be seen darkening the crimson orb as it drifted silently behind Earth, hidden from the sun.

Finally, photographer Phil Walker snapped this impressive view of the full moon during totality from northern New Zealand, as it bathed in the light of every sunrise and sunset on Earth.

Be sure to follow along live with our total lunar eclipse live blog, which will keep you up to date with all of the major milestones as Earth's shadow slips inexorably from the face of its natural satellite. The March 3 eclipse will draw to a close at 9:23 a.m. EST (1423 GMT), when the outer part of Earth's shadow — known as its penumbral shadow — departs the lunar disk.

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your photos of the March 3 blood moon eclipse with Space.com's readers, then please send your images along with your comments, name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

As viewing prospects for Tuesday (March 3) morning's total lunar eclipse are concerned, it seems that about half of the nation will have at least some occasional views of the moon plunging through the Earth's dark shadow. The totality — aka the blood moon phase — will begin at 6:03 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, which corresponds to 3:03 a.m. Pacific time. Totality will last 58 minutes.

The regions of the country that will likely have the best overall weather conditions for the moon show will be southeast New England, much of the Florida peninsula, the northern Rockies, the Southwest deserts, Nevada, and most of California.

In contrast, several weather disturbances will induce considerable cloud cover primarily over the central and eastern states. A quasi-stationary front stretching across the Central Plains through the Upper Midwest east to the Mid-Atlantic region will be accompanied by a broad swath of clouds and wet weather, with the heaviest rains falling over parts of eastern Kansas, northeastern Missouri, central Illinois and west-central Indiana.

Other areas where eclipse weather will be problematic will be over parts of Utah, Wyoming and Colorado, where light rain and snow may fall, as well as portions of the Northern Plains to the upper Great Lakes, where a cold front will be dropping southward from south-central Canada. In addition, an inverted trough of low pressure developing near the coast of the Carolinas will induce a moist flow of air from the Atlantic Ocean that will translate into widespread cloudiness across the Piedmont region of the Southeast U.S.

Also, near and along the Pacific coast of Washington, Oregon, and California, a marine layer of low clouds will be in place at eclipse time, which could hide the moon.

So far as New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New England are concerned, it is unfortunate that the eclipse does not take place 12 hours sooner. On Tuesday evening, for these locations, skies will likely be beautifully clear and moonlit thanks to a large dome of high pressure sitting over southeast New York. However, as the night progresses, that protective shield of fair skies will rapidly shift to the east and out over the Atlantic Ocean and will allow lowering and thickening cloud cover to move in from the west, which — depending on how rapidly the cloud shield advances — could partially or completely obscure the moon by eclipse time. Those who want to be assured of a good view of this shady little celestial drama should travel to the east to stay ahead of the clouds. Locations that hold the most promise for clear skies include eastern Massachusetts, southeast New Hampshire and southern Maine.

We have provided a map of the percentage of cloud/sky cover, valid for Tuesday at 7 a.m. EST, from NOAA's National Digital Database. It shows those regions where sky conditions look the best . . . and worse, for eclipse watchers. We can break things down into three categories:

GOOD: Cloud cover ranges from clear to scattered cloud cover; generally, a sky cover of no more than 30%.

FAIR: Cloud cover ranges from scattered to broken cloud cover; generally, 30% to no more than 70%. Despite the existing clouds, there will probably be large breaks and openings that will allow for periodic views of the moon going into eclipse, especially for places with no more than 50% sky cover.

POOR: Cloud cover ranges from 70% to complete overcast. At worst, a complete shut-out of the eclipse. At best, perhaps some occasional views of the moon like what poet Alfred Noyes described in "The Highwaymen": "The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas."

For any late updates in your local weather forecast, of course, check with your local National Weather Service Forecast Office. Just click on that part of the map where you live and you'll be taken to the NWS office that serves your area. There, you will find all the latest weather information pertaining to your area.

Also, check for the latest satellite imagery of your region courtesy of the GOES 16 weather satellite.

If you are clouded out, the next chance at seeing a total lunar eclipse from the contiguous U.S. will come on the night of June 25-26, 2029. It will be an unusually long totality, lasting 102 minutes. Later this year, on the night of August 27-28, an "almost" total lunar eclipse will take place, with 93% of the moon becoming immersed in the Earth's dark umbral shadow.

You can also watch all the action unfold from the comfort of your home with these free lunar eclipse livestreams and follow along with our lunar eclipse live update blog.

Editor's note: Totality has come to an end after putting on a spectacular show for billions of stargazers spread across the night side of Earth. Check out our wrap article to see the first gorgeous photos and images of the March 3 blood moon total lunar eclipse!

Tonight, the full moon will slip into Earth's darkest shadow during a total lunar eclipse and create a stunning 'blood moon'. This will take place in the early hours of March 3 for skywatchers in the U.S., so make sure you set your alarm!

Lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye; no filters or special glasses are needed (unlike solar eclipses). All you need to do is make sure you find the moon at the right time, sit back, relax and enjoy the remarkable show.

If you're unable to catch the eclipse in person, you can watch all the action unfold here on Space.com with these free livestreams. You can also follow along with our lunar eclipse live blog.

Where to look

The total lunar eclipse tonight will be visible to skywatchers across North America, Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia, weather permitting. Over 40% of the world's population will be able to see at least some of the blood moon phase, according to Time and Date.

Related: Where to see the total lunar eclipse in the early hours of March 3

The best views of the lunar eclipse will be from the western half of North America, Australia and the Pacific. U.S. skywatchers in eastern time zones will be able to catch the blood moon just before it sets below the western horizon, but will not be able to watch the entirety of totality.

When to look

The best time to look at the total lunar eclipse will be at 6:33 a.m. EST (1133 GMT) on March 3 during the peak of totality when the moon sits in the deepest part of Earth's shadow.

But if you have the time, it's worth getting comfortable and watching the entire eclipse, at least from the partial eclipse phase beginning around 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT), when you'll be able to see Earth's shadow gradually take bigger and bigger bites out of the moon. It'll feel like you're watching the monthly phases of the moon sped up into just a few hours. Then, at 6:04 a.m. EST (1104 GMT), the moon will turn blood red as it enters the totality phase, which will last for 58 minutes according to Time and Date.

Read more: What time is the blood moon total lunar eclipse on March 3?

Top viewing tips for tonight

• Combat the clouds: Make sure to check your local weather forecast and have a nearby backup spot if you need to change plans.
• Take your time: The drama of a total lunar eclipse builds slowly. Plan to watch it before, during and after totality to really appreciate the spectacle.
• Low horizon? Across the eastern U.S., the moon will set during the totality phase. Pick an observing spot with a clear view of the western horizon.

Editor's note: If you capture a photo of the total lunar eclipse and would like to share it with us, please email it to spacephotos@space.com along with any comments.

Editor's note: Totality has come to an end after putting on a spectacular show for billions of stargazers spread across the night side of Earth. Check out our wrap article to see the first gorgeous photos and images of the March 3 blood moon total lunar eclipse!

A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, creating a dramatic red "blood moon" for skywatchers across North America, Australia and East Asia.

During the March lunar eclipse, totality — when the moon is fully immersed in Earth's dark umbral shadow and appears blood-red — will begin at 6:04 a.m. EST (1104 GMT) on March 3 and peak at 6:33 a.m. EST (1133 GMT). Totality will last for approximately 58 minutes, after which the moon will begin to exit from Earth's shadow.

Over 40% of the world's population will be able to see at least some of the total phase of the lunar eclipse. That's over three billion people, according to Time and Date. It will be the last total lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028-2029.

North America - lunar eclipse timings

• Penumbral eclipse begins: 3:44 a.m. EST (08:44 GMT)
• Partial eclipse begins: 4:50 a.m. EST (09:50 GMT)
• Totality: 6:04–7:02 a.m. EST (11:04–12:02 GMT)
• Maximum eclipse: 6:33 a.m. EST (11:33 GMT)
• Partial eclipse ends: 8:17 a.m. EST (13:17 GMT)

Key viewing times worldwide

Here are some key viewing times for the March 3 total lunar eclipse across different time zones, according to Time and Date. The timings represent when totality will occur, turning our lunar neighbor into a blood moon:

• 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
• New Zealand: 12:04-1:02 a.m. NZDT on March 4, 2026
• Sydney: 10:04-11:02 p.m. AEDT on March 3, 2026
• Brisbane, Australia: 9:04-10:02 p.m. AEST on March 3, 2026
• Adelaide, Australia: 9:34-10:32 p.m. ACDT on March 3, 2026
• Darwin, Australia: 8:34-9:32 p.m. on March 3, 2026
• Perth, Australia: 7:04-8:02 p.m. on March 3, 2026
• Tokyo: 8:04-9:02 p.m. JST on March 3, 2026
• Seoul: 8:04-9:02 p.m. KST on March 3, 2026
• Beijing: 7:04-8:02 p.m. CST on March 3, 2026
• Hong Kong: 7:04-8:02 p.m. HKT on March 3, 2026

If you're unable to catch the lunar eclipse in person, we'll be livestreaming the event on Space.com. You can also follow along with the latest updates in our lunar eclipse live blog.

What will happen?

The eclipse begins at 3:44 a.m. EST (0844 GMT) when the moon enters Earth's penumbral shadow, causing a subtle shading effect. As it moves deeper into the umbra, a dark shadow will creep across the lunar surface and the moon will turn a reddish-orange hue during maximum eclipse. The overall duration of the lunar eclipse will be 5 hours and 39 minutes.

Stargazers across the U.S. will be treated to a dramatic orbital display in the early hours of March 3, as Earth's shadow falls across its natural satellite, giving rise to a"blood moon" total lunar eclipse.

Over 3.3 billion people across the Americas, Asia and Oceania will get a glimpse of the climactic blood moon phase, as the lunar disk — fully immersed in Earth's inner shadow — is bathed in sunlight filtered by our atmosphere, turning it a coppery red hue.

If your view of the eclipse is ruined by your location or the weather, there's no need to despair! Read on to discover how to watch the entire event online from the comfort of your home, courtesy of a trio of free YouTube livestreams providing real-time views from the U.S., Canada and Australia. You can also stay up to date by following along with our total lunar eclipse live blog!

Time and Date

Time and Date will host live coverage of the March 3 total lunar eclipse on its YouTube channel, starting at 4:30 a.m. EST (0930 GMT). The stream will feature live views from Los Angeles, Western Australia and potentially more, with expert commentary provided by journalist Anne Buckle and astrophysicist Graham Jones.

Virtual Telescope Project

The Virtual Telescope Project will host a livestream of its own, providing a global perspective of the eclipse starting at 3:30 a.m. EST (0830 GMT), with live views coming from a team of astrophotographers in Australia, the United States and Canada. Gianluca Masi, the organization's founder, will provide live commentary.

Griffith Observatory

Our final livestream comes courtesy of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, which will stream views of the eclipse on its YouTube channel beginning at 3:37 a.m. EST (0837 GMT). From its vantage point on the west coast of America, the observatory will be perfectly positioned to provide coverage throughout the eclipse, running from the penumbral phase through totality and beyond, as Earth's shadow retreats from the lunar disk.

Auckland Astronomical Society

The Auckland Astronomical Society will livestream the event starting at 3 a.m. EST (0800 GMT) from its location in northern New Zealand, providing crisp views of the lunar disk as it rises above the northeastern horizon in the hours following sunset.

Photographers hoping to immortalize their own views of the blood moon should read our expert's guide to capturing a total lunar eclipse, along with our roundups of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your blood moon photos with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

This year's first lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, offers a rare chance to see a strange celestial sight traditionally thought impossible: the rising sun and the eclipsed moon in the sky at the same time.

Views of the total phase of this eclipse favor locations near and around the Pacific Rim. For North America, places within the Eastern Time Zone will see the moon set during dawn's early light during the total phase; places farther west will be able to catch the moon emerging from the Earth's shadow as it sets, while for sites out in the Far West, the eclipse will be visible from start to finish. Hawaiians will see the moon almost overhead as totality takes place in the hours after midnight. Meanwhile, during local evening hours, Central Asia and western Australia will see the moon rise as it emerges from the Earth's dark shadow. Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, as well as much of Japan and eastern Siberia, will see it all during convenient evening hours.

The moon passes through the southern part of the Earth's shadow, with totality beginning at 3:03 a.m. PST and lasting 59 minutes. Across the eastern half of the United States and Canada, there will be a chance to observe an unusual effect, one that celestial geometry seems to dictate can't happen. The little-used name for this effect is a "selenelion" (or "selenehelion") and occurs when both the sun and the eclipsed moon can be seen at the same time.

You can stay up to date with everything lunar eclipse in our lunar eclipse live updates blog.

Seeing the impossible

But wait! How is this possible? When we have a lunar eclipse, the sun, Earth and moon are in a geometrically straight line in space, with the Earth in the middle. So, if the sun is above the horizon, the moon must be below the horizon and completely out of sight (or vice versa).

And indeed, during a lunar eclipse, the sun and moon are exactly 180 degrees apart in the sky; thus, in a perfect alignment like this (a "syzygy"), such an observation would seem impossible.

But it is atmospheric refraction that makes a selenelion possible.

Atmospheric refraction causes astronomical objects to appear higher in the sky than they really are.

For example, when you see the sun sitting on the horizon, it is not there. It is, in reality, sitting just below the edge of the horizon, but our atmosphere acts like a lens and bends the sun's image just above the horizon, allowing us to see it.

This effect also lengthens the amount of daylight for several minutes or more each day; we end up seeing the sun for a few minutes in the morning before it has actually risen and for a few extra minutes in the evening after it has actually already set.

The same holds true with the moon, as well.

Because of this atmospheric trick, for many localities, there will be an unusual chance to observe a selenelion firsthand with this impending shadowy event. There will be a short window of roughly 1-to-3 minutes (depending on your location) when you may be able to simultaneously spot the sun rising in the east-southeast and the eclipsed full moon setting in the west-northwest.

Read more: Where to see the total lunar eclipse in the early hours of March 3

Regions of visibility

For places to the west of the Continental Divide, this effect, unfortunately, may not be visible. For most places in the Mountain and Pacific Time Zones, the moon will have moved completely free of the dark umbral shadow of the Earth before it sets. Those in the Mountain Time Zone will see the moon set while it is still within the Earth's penumbral shadow.

This shadow is so faint that at least 50-70% of the moon must be immersed within it before you have a chance of detecting it visually, either with your naked eyes or using an optical aid. For places in the southern and central Rockies, such as Santa Fe, New Mexico or Denver, Colorado, the lower-right portion of the moon will appear somewhat darker or "smudged" as it begins to disappear beyond the western horizon.

Farther north, however, from Jackson, Wyoming and Butte, Montana, the moon will look perfectly normal as it sets.

Across most places in the Central Time Zone, the total phase will have passed, and the moon will be emerging from the Earth's umbra. Depending on your location, the moon may resemble a crescent, a half-moon, or just a "bite" taken out of its lower right limb.

For most locations in the Eastern Time Zone, the moon will set completely immersed in the Earth's shadow, while for the Atlantic Canada provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland), only the opening partial stages will be visible with the moon setting before totality occurs.

This table shows the local times of sunrise and moonset, along with the percentage of the moon's diameter that is within the dark umbral shadow at the time of moonset, for 11 selected cities. An asterisk (*) indicates that totality has already occurred and that the moon is emerging from the umbral shadow. Note that locations farther to the west have the moon and sun together in the sky for a noticeably longer interval. That's because after mid-eclipse, the moon's orbital motion has carried it a bit more to the east and thus higher up in the sky, so it remains in view a bit longer.

Important facts to consider

To observe the selenelion, you should make sure that both your eastern and western horizons are free of any tall obstructions that might block your views of the setting moon or rising sun.

Also, be aware that depending on the clarity of your sky, you might lose sight of the moon about 10 or 15 minutes before sunrise, thanks to the brightening morning twilight and the moon sinking into any horizon haze (atmospheric "schmutz").

Keep in mind that this holds only for the uneclipsed portion of the moon. Indeed, if the moon is totally eclipsed at moonset, you will probably have to scan the western horizon as the twilight increases to detect the darkened moon, which will perhaps resemble a dim and eerily illuminated softball.

Editor's note: Totality has come to an end after putting on a spectacular show for billions of stargazers spread across the night side of Earth. Check out our wrap article to see the first gorgeous photos and images of the March 3 blood moon total lunar eclipse!

Enjoy the total lunar eclipse on March 3 because it will be the last for a long while.

Observers across East Asia, Australia, the Pacific and western North America will see March's full moon — known as the "Worm Moon" — pass through Earth's shadow, turning a reddish-copper color for 58 spell-binding minutes. However, once the moon emerges from Earth's umbra — the deepest part of Earth's shadow — there will be no further total lunar eclipses for almost three years. A lunar lull will commence and won't end until a neatly-timed total lunar eclipse on New Year's Eve 2028-2029. Here's why — and why 2029 will be a year marking not just the end of a drought, but of three spectacular "blood moon" total lunar eclipses.

You can keep up with the latest blood moon news and progress with our total lunar eclispe live blog.

Lunar eclipses: total vs. partial vs. penumbral

A lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon passes through Earth's ever-present shadow. A cone-like shadow extending from the night side of the planet, it has two parts: a lighter outer penumbra and a darker central umbra. That's because the sun is larger than Earth, so Earth blocks its light in different ways.

Total lunar eclipse: when the whole of the moon passes through the umbra, cutting off all direct sunlight from reaching the lunar surface. The only light that can reach it is filtered through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters short wavelengths of light and bends longer red wavelengths inward. The result is the "blood moon."

Partial lunar eclipse: when a portion of the moon passes through the umbra, cutting off all direct sunlight from reaching some of the lunar surface. The result is the sight of Earth's shadow moving across the full moon, turning some of it a dull grey.

Penumbral lunar eclipse: when none of the moon passes through the umbra, just the outer penumbra, causing the moon to lose some of its brightness.

A total lunar eclipse includes all of these phases: penumbral, partial, and total, a process that can take about five hours.

March 3's total lunar eclipse

The March 3, 2026, total lunar eclipse will see the moon spend 58 minutes and 18 seconds fully inside Earth's umbra. It has an umbral magnitude of about 1.15, meaning the moon just passes full inside Earth's shadow. Total lunar eclipses with magnitudes only slightly above 1 tend to appear lighter copper or reddish in tone rather than a very dark crimson, because the moon does not travel deeply through the shadow.

That's a mere detail; this total lunar eclipse is sure to be a dramatic event, turning a night sky bleached to blue by the full "Worm Moon" to a very dark sky, with stars appearing around the full moon. The entire event, including the long partial phases before and after totality, will last five hours and 38 minutes.

After March 3, the moon won't fully enter Earth's umbra again until the very end of 2028.

Why will total lunar eclipses disappear for a few years?

The no-totality gap after March 2026 is not unusual. Total lunar eclipses require precise alignments, far more so than partial or penumbral events. That's because the moon's orbit is tilted by about five degrees relative to Earth's orbit around the sun, which means most full moons pass above or below Earth's shadow — the reason why there isn't an eclipse every month. In fact, lunar eclipses can only occur during eclipse seasons, brief windows about six months apart when the sun is near one of the moon's orbital nodes. But even then, totality is not guaranteed.

During many eclipse seasons, the moon merely skims Earth's penumbra and umbra. Partial eclipses — when some of the full moon enters the umbra — can be striking events, but at no point does the lunar surface look reddish. Penumbral eclipses are even subtler, with the lunar surface merely dulled. Compared to a total lunar eclipse, partial and penumbral events lack the drama of totality.

What happens to lunar eclipses after March 2026?

After March 3, 2026, there will be no occasions when the moon becomes fully immersed in Earth's umbra for 34 months. Eclipse seasons continue, and lunar eclipses still occur, but none will be total. Here's the sequence of partial and penumbral events to expect from 2026 to 2028.

• Aug. 28, 2026 — deep partial lunar eclipse (93% of the moon enters the umbra)
• Feb. 20, 2027 — penumbral lunar eclipse
• July 18, 2027 — penumbral lunar eclipse
• Aug. 17, 2027 — penumbral lunar eclipse
• Jan. 12, 2028 — shallow partial lunar eclipse
• July 6, 2028 — partial lunar eclipse (39% of the moon enters the umbra)

When total lunar eclipses return

The drought finally ends at the close of 2028, when the slow westward drift of the moon's orbital nodes brings full moons back into deeper alignment with Earth's shadow. What follows will be a tetrad of three total lunar eclipses in a 12-month period.

• December 31, 2028 — total lunar eclipse (totality for 71 minutes as seen from Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada and Alaska).
• June 26, 2029 — total lunar eclipse (totality for 102 minutes as seen from the Americas, western Europe and Africa).
• December 20, 2029 — total lunar eclipse (totality for 54 minutes as seen from North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia).

Total lunar eclipses are not rare, but they are episodic, appearing in clusters when the geometry lines up. Are these night-side events worth traveling the world to see? Perhaps not — particularly compared to the geographically much more limited total solar eclipses — but any one location can go many years without one. One thing's for sure about total lunar eclipses: every skywatcher should always know when and where the next one is.

In the early hours of March 3, 2026, skywatchers across the U.S. will be treated to a total lunar eclipse — the only one until the end of 2028. During this "blood moon," the full moon will pass through Earth's shadow and glow a rich coppery red for nearly an hour. It's a beautiful and accessible celestial event — and one that anyone can photograph with a little planning.

You don't need advanced gear to photograph a lunar eclipse. What matters more is being ready: knowing when it happens, where to look, and how to adapt your camera or smartphone to changing light. Whether you're snapping on a smartphone or setting up a carefully composed telephoto shot, the most important things are timing, location, and focus. So check your sky, prep your settings, and make it an early morning worth remembering.

Here are 7 easy tips to help you capture the magic.

1. Get the exact time and schedule for your location

The only total lunar eclipse of 2026 — and the last until New Year's Eve 2028-2029 — will take place at the same global time, 08:44 and 14:22 GMT on Tuesday, March 3. It will be best seen in western North America, the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and East Asia. Totality — the most photogenic part, when the moon will be completely reddish — takes place at these times:

• 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

Although totality is the headline act, there are partial and penumbral phases on either side, which together make the event last over five hours. Visit Time and Date to get a schedule for your location, which will also include where the moon will be in the sky to help you plan your shot.

Read more: What time is the blood moon total lunar eclipse tonight?

2. Go west for the best views

U.S. states in the east won't have a great view, with the moon setting during totality — a frustrating sight. The farther west you head, the better the view will be, with the West Coast a better option than the Midwest. Although the majority of the eclipse will be visible from Chicago, for example, the moon will set just 20 minutes after totality ends, meaning totality will be viewed close to the western horizon. Even in the western U.S., the moon will be low in the western sky during totality, so it's vital to find a site with an unobstructed view to the west. Elevated spots and open fields are wise choices, as is scouting your location a few days beforehand so you know what to expect.

Related: 10 best places to see the 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse on March 3

3. Check the climate, then the weather

Cloud cover is the biggest threat to all kinds of eclipse photography, and in early March, it's likely to be a huge consideration. According to historical cloud cover data (which you can check for any location using NASA Worldview), the clearest skies in the U.S. are typically found in the southwestern U.S., making Arizona and California theoretically the best places to be. However, climate is only useful in pre-planning; from about three days out, use weather apps like Windy and Clear Outside to track local forecasts for cloud cover. If you can, have wheels so you can relocate if your original spot is looking cloudy a day or two before.

4. Practice focusing a camera on the moon

If you've never imaged the moon before, read up on how to photograph the moon using a camera and practice — it will make all the difference. If you're using a long lens (200-600mm), try auto-focus on the moon, but also manual focus, using 'live view' to magnify the moon. Make adjustments and, if you want, mark the exact point on the focus wheel. You can do the same for a wide-angle lens, though turning to the infinity icon (∞) on the dial may suffice. Adjust the focus until it's sharp as a tack — blurry totality images are so common and so disappointing.

After the first-quarter moon on February 24, there will be a bright moon in the south and southeast after sunset each night through the eclipse in March. 3. It will get brighter every night; use any clear skies to practice.

5. Adjust exposure throughout the eclipse

During the eclipse, the moon will be swallowed first by Earth's fuzzy outer penumbral shadow, noticeably losing its brightness, but remaining grey. As it enters the darker inner umbral shadow (the partial phase), it darkens significantly before finally turning reddish. According to the late, great eclipse photographer Fred Espenak on Nikon, those after a close-up of the blood moon should set the camera to ISO 400, open the lens to the widest aperture, and try a variety of exposures, adjusting the shutter speed in five-second increments. You'll likely start with fast shutter speeds like 1/250s, aperture at f/8 to f/11 at ISO 400 as the eclipse begins, but for totality it will be more like 1–2 second exposures, f/2.8 aperture and ISO to 800-1600. Making constant adjustments is key — and it's a 58-minute totality, so you have plenty of time to experiment. Bracketing (taking multiple exposures at different settings) is a wise move during totality, with 0.5-second, 1-second and 2-second exposures — all at the same ISO and aperture — will help retain lots of detail.

6. Know how to use a smartphone

Smartphones are getting really good at astrophotography, but that only applies to wide-angle shots; resist the temptation to zoom in on the moon and instead aim to frame it reflected in a lake or pond, among buildings or above mountains or trees. As well as restricting yourself to landscape shots, use some stabilization, such as a small tripod supporting a universal smartphone holder attachment.

At a pinch, you can prop it up against a bottle or a rock — particularly since the eclipse will be taking place relatively low in the sky. It's also wise to use timed exposures to further reduce the threat of movement. Once you're happy with the composition, tap the moon to focus, then slide your finger down to lower the brightness. Shooting in raw is also a good idea, if that's an option.

7. Other things to think about

Stay warm, always use a tripod, charge your batteries or bring a portable battery, keep spare empty SD cards, and use a shutter release cable or app you trust. Espenak also advises turning on a camera's Long Exposure Noise Reduction feature and, more importantly, placing the moon's image in one corner of the camera's viewfinder. That way, it can drift through the camera's field of view during the exposure, rather than drift out of it. But which corner? For North America, during the eclipse, the moon will move from top-left to bottom-right — it will be on its way to setting in the west.

Photographing a total lunar eclipse — whose totality lasts almost an hour — is so much less frenetic than a total solar eclipse, but take some time between exposures to take in the stunning sight. Total lunar eclipses are like buses; you get none for years, then three come along at once. The blood moon on March 3, 2026, is the last until a trio of total lunar eclipses begins in late 2028, so enjoy it.

On March 3, billions of people across the Americas, Asia and Oceania will witness a blood moon total lunar eclipse as the sun, Earth and moon align, laying bare the orbital mechanics of the solar system in spectacular fashion.

The eclipse occurs as Earth passes between the sun and moon during the full "Worm Moon" phase, casting the lunar disk into shadow while also bathing it in red light that has been filtered through our planet's dense atmosphere during totality.

Read on to discover what to expect from each phase of the March. 3 total lunar eclipse and remember that you can stay up to date with the latest news, photography and information on the blood moon by following along with our eclipse live blog.

Each eclipse occurs at the same universal time for everyone, but the local time at which it unfolds — and your ability to see each phase — is dictated by your location on Earth. Check Time and Date's eclipse tracker for precise timings for your locale, along with details on which phase will be visible to you.

Penumbral phase

The eclipse kicks off at 3:44 a.m. EST (0833 GMT), as the moon begins to slip into Earth's outer shadow, or penumbra. The subtle darkening that creeps across the lunar surface during this phase is incredibly easy to miss, becoming more pronounced as this early stage draws to a close.

Partial phase

The curved silhouette of Earth's inner shadow will become visible, eating into the lunar disk at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT), marking the beginning of the partial phase of the eclipse. The umbral shadow will appear black during the first half hour, before transitioning to a brown and later deep red hue, in the moments before totality, as our planet's shadow engulfs the last sliver of the moon's exposed crescent.

Skywatchers in the eastern U.S. in cities like New York will witness the entirety of the partial phase along with the very beginning of totality before the moon slips below the western horizon around surise on March. 3.

Full eclipse - totality

The moon will sink entirely within Earth's umbral shadow at 6:04 a.m. EST (1104 GMT), marking the beginning of totality and the blood moon phase of the eclipse.

This climactic period will last 58 minutes, during which the lunar disk will adopt a dramatic red hue, as a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering filters out the shorter blue wavelengths of the sun's light, while allowing longer red ones to fall on the lunar surface.

Maximum eclipse

The eclipse will reach a crescendo at 6:33 a.m. EST (1133 GMT), when the moon will pass closest to the center of Earth's shadow — though it will remain relatively close to its edge — during a point known as the eclipse maximum.

Viewers in states as far east as Alabama, Tennessee, western Ohio and Michigan will witness all 58 minutes of totality before the lunar disk sets, while those further west — in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, for example — will also see the waning partial phase.

A waning eclipse

At 7:02 a.m. EST (1202 GMT), the full eclipse will reach its end, as a thin silvery crescent of the lunar disk slowly emerges from beneath Earth's gigantic shadow. The hours that follow will see it grow ever thicker, until our planet's inner umbral shadow slips fully from the face of the moon at 8:17 a.m. EST (1317 GMT), followed by the outer shadow at 9:23 a.m. EST (1423 GMT).

Want to immortalize your view of the March 3 blood moon? Then be sure to check out our expert guide to photographing a total lunar eclipse, along with our picks of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography available in 2026. You should also check out our roundup of the top binoculars and telescopes for exploring the lunar disk, if you're hoping to get a closer view of Earth's natural satellite.

Editor's Note: If you snap a picture of the blood moon and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

The first lunar eclipse of 2026 will transform the moon into a coppery red "blood moon" in the early hours of March 3 for skywatchers in North America.

The long-lasting and impressive blood moon on March 3 will be visible to billions within the path of the eclipse (weather permitting), but exactly what you'll see depends on where you are watching it from.

You can keep up with the latest lunar eclipse news with our lunar eclipse live blog and watch the eclipse online with these free lunar eclipse livestreams.

Best places to see the lunar eclipse

Though the blood moon total lunar eclipse will be visible across the night side of Earth on March 3, the best views will be from the western half of North America, Australia and the Pacific.

You'll have the best view if you're able to get yourself somewhere dark with clear skies.

Read more: 10 best places to see the 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse on March 3

Totality, when the moon is fully immersed in Earth's shadow, will last 58 minutes, from 6:04 a.m. EST (1104 GMT) to 7:02 a.m. EST (1202 GMT).

That translates to the following local times in North America:

• 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

To find out whether the eclipse will be visible from your location, visit Time and Date, where you can enter your city to see local visibility details and exact timings. In New York, for example, observers will see the moon slip into totality and turn blood red but maximum eclipse, when the moon moves deepest into Earth's shadow, will occur after moonset and won't be visible.

What to expect

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye. When the eclipse unfolds, you'll gradually see the shift from a bright silver moon to a deep red as Earth's shadow sweeps across it. It's like watching all the phases of the moon at high speed!

On March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across the night side of Earth, with the best views from Australia, the Pacific, and the western half of North America. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon drifts into Earth's shadow, with the only light reaching its surface filtered through Earth's atmosphere, which turns it a reddish color that earns it the nickname "blood moon."

A global event happening at the same time across the world, the epicentre is the Pacific, where the eclipse takes place overhead around midnight early on March 3. To the west (Australia), it occurs late on March 3, and to the east (North America), it occurs early on March 3.

You don't need a dark sky to watch a total lunar eclipse — but it helps. The event stars as a full moon bleaching the night sky, making all but the brightest stars hard to see. However, by the time totality begins, the night sky will have darkened so much that it's possible to see not just stars, but faint clusters and the Milky Way — just as you might experience during a new moon. So while using a light pollution map or the Dark Sky Place finder isn't strictly necessary, it will bring an extra dimension to the experience.

The best places to watch the eclipse will be those with clear skies. Weather forecasts can only be relied upon about three days out, but you can stack the odds by studying a potential location's historical climate data for average cloud cover. That's what we've done here, using Eclipsophile.com — which specialises in global cloud cover data for solar and lunar eclipses — to select locations most likely to have a clear sky, which in March, may be a challenge. All times and cloud statistics come from Time and Date.

Here are 10 spectacular viewing locations for this rare celestial event, which won't be repeated anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028-2029.

1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, U.S.

Grand Canyon National Park has been an International Dark Sky Park since 2015, when light fixtures in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim were replaced to reduce light pollution. Great places to stargaze on the south rim include Grand Canyon Visitor Center (the most convenient), Mather Point, Hermit's Rest and the many pullouts on the flat Rim Trail.

2. Horsetooth Mountain, Colorado, U.S.

This public stargazing event at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, organised by the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society and publicised by NASA, will be held from 3:30-5:30 a.m. MST.

3. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

The remote area in the Flinders Ranges and Outback of South Australia has been protected since 2012, when it became a sanctuary for both wildlife and darkness. There are lodges and astronomy experiences.

4. Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park, Australia

Australia will get a fabulous view of this total lunar eclipse, but observers will have a much greater chance if they get inland. A good choice is Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park near Coonabarabran (aka 'Australia's Astronomy Capital') in central western New South Wales, Australia's first and only Dark Sky Park. It's home to Australia's famous Siding Spring Observatory, with Warrumbungle Observatory located in Coonabarabran.

5. Saguaro National Park, Arizona, U.S.

Although Tucson itself doesn't fare too well on a light pollution map, it's surrounded by glorious stargazing opportunities (check out the Tucson Astro Trail map) and world-class observatories at Kitt Peak, Mount Graham and Mount Lemmon. Just east of the city, in the Sonoran Desert, is Saguaro National Park, the world's ninth Urban Night Sky Place. The park is open 24 hours.

6. Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand

Outdoor lighting is regulated throughout the Wairarapa Valley on the North Island of New Zealand, where lunar totality will occur just after midnight. Most of the dark-sky reserve is easily accessible for night-sky viewing.

7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, U.S.

The largest state park in California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in the Colorado Desert, has been a dark sky park since 2018, with Borrego a dark sky community.

8. Big Island, Hawaii, U.S.

With the eclipse overhead as seen from Hawaii, you will get a great view anywhere. If you're after a dark sky, the best places to be on the Big Island are either on Maunakea (the destination of many stargazing tours) or on the darker south or northeast coasts.

9. Joshua Tree National Park, California, U.S.

Although there's been a recent wildfire and some concerns about astrophotography workshops, independent travel to one of the most renowned stargazing destinations in California should still be possible if well planned. Make a camping reservation in advance on recreation.gov.

10. Death Valley National Park, Nevada, U.S.

With no closing time and a spectacularly dark sky, Death Valley National Park is worth considering for a great view of the total lunar eclipse. Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes or Harmony Borax Works are recommended for astrophotographers.

Should the weather be clear early on Tuesday morning, March 3, sky watchers across most of the Americas will have an opportunity to view one of nature's most beautiful spectacles: A total eclipse of the moon.

Unlike a total eclipse of the sun, which often requires a long journey to the path of totality, those of the moon can usually be observed from one's own backyard. The passage of the moon through the Earth's shadow is equally visible from all places within the hemisphere where the moon is above the horizon. This event favors locations near and around the Pacific Rim. For North America, places within the Eastern Time Zone will see the moon set during dawn's early light during the total phase; places farther west will be able to catch the moon emerging from the Earth's shadow as it sets, while for sites out in the Far West, the eclipse will be visible from start to finish. Hawaiians will see the moon almost overhead as totality takes place in the hours after midnight. Meanwhile, during local evening hours, Central Asia and western Australia will see the moon rise as it emerges from the Earth's dark shadow. Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, as well as much of Japan and eastern Siberia, will see it all during convenient evening hours.

There is nothing complicated about how to view this celestial spectacle. Unlike an eclipse of the sun, which necessitates special viewing precautions to avoid eye damage, an eclipse of the moon is perfectly safe to watch. All you'll need to watch is your eyes, but binoculars or a telescope will give a much nicer view.

Where will the moon be?

It's not too early to begin preparing for viewing next month's total lunar eclipse. One of the things to consider is the moon's location in the sky during the eclipse. As we have noted, for those who live in the eastern U.S. and Canada, this will be an important factor, since the moon will be moving into totality as it approaches its setting. Will tall trees or nearby buildings block your view of the moon?

You can get a very good idea about where the moon will be in the sky during the eclipse by looking for it on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Early that morning, the moon — 2½ days past full — will be very near to that region of the sky where it will be on March 3 for the eclipse. But on Feb. 4, rather than looking for the moon at the prescribed times given for March 3, you will need to look two hours and 8 minutes later.

For example, on March 3, for an observer in Salt Lake City, the moon will begin to enter the dark central shadow of Earth (called the umbra) at 2:49 a.m. Mountain Time. At that moment, the moon will stand 44° above the southwest horizon; that's roughly halfway up in the sky.

Now, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, if you add 2 hours 8 minutes to 2:49 a.m., you'll come up with 4:57 a.m. At that hour, on that morning, you'll be able to get a very good approximation of where the moon will be in the sky at the start of the eclipse as seen from Salt Lake City.

This method will be especially helpful for easterners who might want to determine roughly where the moon will be relative to their western horizon (and local landmarks) as it sets during the total phase of the eclipse. The table below provides details on the corresponding positions of the moon on Feb. 4, relative to where it will appear in the sky for various stages of the eclipse on March 3.

Take note that if you live in the Eastern Time Zone, the farther to the west you go, the higher in the sky the moon will appear and the longer you will be able to prolong your view of the totally eclipsed moon before it sets. As an example, from Portland, Maine, the moon will set only one minute after the start of totality. However, as seen from Indianapolis, Indiana — which also observes Eastern Time, but is positioned 860 miles (1,380 km) to the west — the entire total phase will be visible, with the moon not setting until five minutes after totality ends.

Space.com will provide more details about the lunar eclipse in the weeks to come, so stay tuned!

On Tuesday, March 3, our lunar neighbor will turn into a dramatic 'blood moon' during the first and only total lunar eclipse of 2026. You won't want to miss this event as the next total lunar eclipse won't happen until New Year's Eve 2028!

The blood moon phase of the lunar eclipse will be visible to approximately 31% of the world's population, about 2.5 billion people, across North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and the Pacific.

You can learn more about the total lunar eclipse on March 3 with our blood moon lunar eclipse 2026 guide and keep up to date with the latest lunar eclipse content with our lunar eclipse live blog.

What time is the total lunar eclipse?

The total lunar eclipse will take place between 3:44 and 9:22 a.m. EST (0844-1422 GMT) on March 2.

The totality phase, during which the moon will sit in the deepest region of Earth's shadow and turn blood red, will occur between 6:04 and 7:02 a.m. EST (1104-1202 GMT), lasting for a spectacular 58 minutes.

It's worth keeping an eye on the moon about 75 minutes before totality, to see the edge of Earth's shadow inch across the lunar surface during the partial phases (and vice versa after totality, though for North America the moon will be setting).

Where to watch

The total lunar eclipse will be best viewed from western North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and the Pacific.

Viewing conditions are dependent on local weather, but northwest Mexico, the southwest U.S. and inland Australia offer the best odds of clear skies when looking at historical averages.

For those not in the path of totality and unable to watch the event in person, we will be livestreaming the total lunar eclipse here on Space.com. Further details will be released closer to the time.

On March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible from western North America, Australia, New Zealand and East Asia, with a "blood moon" appearing for 58 minutes.

Lunar eclipses happen when Earth is between the sun and a full moon. During the event, the moon moves through Earth's umbra, the dark center of its shadow.

Where will the March 2026 total lunar eclipse be visible?

The best views of the March 2026 total lunar eclipse will be from Western North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and the Pacific. According to Time and Date, only 2% of the world's population — 176 million people — will see all of the phases (penumbral, partial and total) of the eclipse. However, almost 31% — 2.5 billion — will see all of totality, the "blood moon" phase. Viewing conditions will depend on the local weather, with northwest Mexico, the southwest U.S. and inland Australia statistically offering the best odds of clear skies.

What will happen during the total lunar eclipse?

The March 3 event will be the first total lunar eclipse anywhere in the world since Sept. 7-8, 2025, and the last until Dec. 31, 2028, to Jan. 1, 2029, when a total lunar eclipse will occur on New Year's Eve.

During the March 2026 total lunar eclipse, the full "Worm Moon" will rise and, later that night, pass into Earth's umbral shadow. As it does, the full moon will dim and gradually turn reddish-orange, which is why it's called a "blood moon." Totality — when the entire lunar surface appears reddish-orange — will last 58 minutes. However, the entire eclipse — including the penumbral and partial phases — will last 5 hours, 38 minutes.

This total lunar eclipse will occur seven days before the moon reaches apogee — its farthest point from Earth on its slightly elliptical orbit — making it of average apparent size.

What time is the March 2026 total lunar eclipse in North America?

Lunar eclipses occur at the same universal time worldwide, but the local clock time and whether the moon is above the horizon vary by location. This one will happen between 08:44 and 14:22 UTC on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (3:44 to 9:22 a.m. EST), with the spectacular 58-minute-long totality — when the entire lunar surface will be reddish — happening between 11:04 and 12:02 UTC. That translates to the following local times in North America:

• 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

These are the times for totality only. However, it's worth looking at the moon about 75 minutes before these times to see the edge of Earth's shadow inch across the lunar surface during the partial phases (and vice versa after totality, though for North America, the moon will be setting).

What time is the March 2026 total lunar eclipse in the Asia-Pacific?

In the Asia-Pacific, the eclipse will occur the night of March 3-4. In parts of Southeast Asia, totality will begin as the full moon rises, dulling the effect.

Here's when totality will occur in various locations within the Asia-Pacific:

• New Zealand: 12:04-1:02 a.m. NZDT on March 4, 2026
• Sydney: 10:04-11:02 p.m. AEDT on March 3, 2026
• Brisbane, Australia: 9:04-10:02 p.m. AEST on March 3, 2026
• Adelaide, Australia: 9:34-10:32 p.m. ACDT on March 3, 2026
• Darwin, Australia: 8:34-9:32 p.m. on March 3, 2026
• Perth, Australia: 7:04-8:02 p.m. on March 3, 2026
• Tokyo: 8:04-9:02 p.m. JST on March 3, 2026
• Seoul: 8:04-9:02 p.m. KST on March 3, 2026
• Beijing: 7:04-8:02 p.m. CST on March 3, 2026
• Hong Kong: 7:04-8:02 p.m. HKT on March 3, 2026

After March 2026, when is the next total lunar eclipse?

Here are the dates and locations for upcoming total lunar eclipses, plus a deep partial eclipse:

• Aug. 27-28, 2026: A deep 93% partial lunar eclipse will be visible from parts of Europe, Western Asia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and Antarctica.
• Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 2028-2029: A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Northern and Western North America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Arctic.
• June 25-26, 2029: A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Western Asia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and Antarctica.
• Dec. 20-21, 2029: A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Europe, Asia, Northern and Western Australia, Africa, North America, South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean and the Arctic.

Additional resources:

Want to look further ahead? You can find a concise summary of lunar eclipses out to 2026 here on Space.com. Read more about solar and lunar eclipses on EclipseWise.com, a website dedicated to predictions of eclipses, and find beautiful maps on eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler's EclipseAtlas.com and interactive Google Maps on Xavier Jubier's eclipse website. You can find climate and weather predictions by meteorologist Jay Anderson on eclipsophile.com.

Bibliography

Jubier, X. (n.d.). Lunar eclipses: Interactive Google Maps. Retrieved Sept. 1, 2025, from http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/Lunar_Eclipses.html

Time and Date. (n.d.). 2-3 March 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon). Retrieved Sept. 1, 2025, from: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2026-march-3

Cameron Smith, I. Total Lunar Eclipse of Mar. 3, 2026 AD. Retrieved Sept. 1, 2025, from: https://moonblink.info/Eclipse/eclipse/2026_03_03

A total lunar eclipse delighted stargazers overnight on Sept. 7-8 with a spectacular display of orbital mechanics that briefly turned Earth's natural satellite blood red.

This week's total lunar eclipse graced the night sky as Earth drifted between the moon and sun, veiling the lunar disk in its umbral silhouette. As the moon slipped into the deepest part of our planet's shadow — a period known as totality — a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering saw the moon adopt a bloody red hue, as sunlight scattered by Earth's atmosphere was bent onto the lunar surface.

Over seven billion people had a direct line of sight as Earth's shadow swept over the lunar disk, according to TimeandDate, allowing photographers across western Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe to capture the distinct phases of the eclipse in exquisite detail.

Read on to see a collection of spectacular images of the Sept. 7-8 blood moon. If you missed the event — or simply want a recap — check out our live lunar eclipse blog to see a chronological rundown of the orbital shadow show, or our lunar eclipse guide for a detailed breakdown of the science involved.

The September 2025 total lunar eclipse in pictures

Earth's inner shadow encroaches on the lunar surface

Earth's inner shadow can be seen encroaching on the western edge of the Oceanus Procellarum lava plane in this shot from Hector Retamal, as the eclipse moved inexorably towards totality in the skies over Shanghai.

This next image from photographer Aamir Qureshi highlights the contrast created as Earth's curved shadow continued to sweep across the face of the moon on Sept. 7, while preserving prominent lunar features, such as Tycho crater, which is visible to the south close to the shadow line.

Mustafa Tas captured the moon over the Temple of Apollo in the City of Side in Turkey as Earth's shadow threatened to swallow the moon entirely, showing a silvery sliver of lunar disk alongside the remainder of its shadowed expanse

The eclipsed form of the full moon can be seen hanging over Barcelona, minutes from totality in this image from photographer Manaure Quintero, with the iconic form of the Sagrada Familia basilica reaching up to meet it.

Aamir Quereshi imaged the moon moments before it was engulfed in Earth's shadow over Pakistan, with a razor-thin crescent lit by bright sunlight. The hints of lunar maria are visible darkening the shadowed portion of the moon, while the left of its disk is bathed in darkness.

Totality

The lunar disk could be seen to adopt a reddish hue as the final sliver of its surface fell within Earth's shadow. Photographer Fabrice Coffrini captured this transformation in his image of Earth's natural satellite, taken as the moon graced the sky over Riex in western Switzerland.

Angelos Tzortzinis artfully lined up his shot to position the blood moon above the statue of the ancient goddess Irene in central Athens, Greece, to make it appear as if the deity was gently brushing the lunar disk with her right hand, while holding a child in the other.

This thoughtful composition from Yang Bo was taken in the sky over Nanjing, China during totality, creating the illusion that the blood moon is being grasped in the claw of a vast stone dragon.

This composition positions the blood moon atop Tokyo's famous Skytree tower in Japan, giving the impression that the lunar disk is a red orb fixed to the top of a metal staff.

This image captured from the city of JiuJiang, China, by Shen Jungfeng highlights the shadowed expanses of all of the dark lunar seas combined, as they stretch across the moon's surface above the pointed roof of a striking building lit by warm yellow light.

The end of totality — Earth's shadow slips from the lunar disk

Many photographers also caught spectacular views of Earth's shadow as it retreated from the lunar disk, including Hussein Faleh, who snapped this shot of a passenger plane skimming the moon's western limb from Iraq, as Earth's silhouette fell away to the right.

Space.com's Anthony Wood captured this view of the moon exiting Earth's shadow from Dartmoor National Park in the U.K. while surrounded by wild horses, sheep and, of course, a flock of photographers who had turned out in force to witness the cosmic show.

Lorenzo Di Cola snapped this breath-taking view of the moon during the tail end of the eclipse, as the lunar disk returned to its familiar lustre over Abruzzo, Italy. Earth's shadow can still be seen as a vast crescent to the right of the image, hiding Mare Serenitatis and Tranquillitatis.

Composite shots of the September 2025 total lunar eclipse

This composite image created by Tomohiro Oshumi shows the phases of the lunar eclipse leading up to totality, as seen from Tokyo, Japan as the orbital ballet unfolded on Sept. 7-8.

These views captured from Surabaya, Indonesia by photographer Robertus Pudyanto reveal the same phases captured from a more southerly perspective, once again showing the lunar disk transform in the runup to totality.

Pudyanto also arrayed his images in a line to create a timelapse effect, showing how the lunar disk changed as it fell ever deeper into Earth's shadow.

September's blood moon was the opening act of a two-part eclipse season, which will see the moon pass across the face of the sun without entirely occulting it on Sept. 21, triggering a partial solar eclipse. That event will be visible from New Zealand, eastern Australia and Antarctica, along with several Pacific Ocean islands.

Remember: a total lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye. However, stargazers hoping to catch a glimpse of the upcoming partial solar eclipse, or of the August 2026 total solar eclipse, will need to pick up a pair of reliable eclipse glasses to protect their vision.

Photographers hoping to capture images of these events should also check out our roundup of the best cameras for astrophotography and read our guide to safely photographing a solar eclipse.

Editor's note: The September 2025 total lunar eclipse put on a spectacular show, dazzling stargazers with a mesmerizing display of orbital mechanics that briefly turned the moon blood red as Earth's shadow swept across the lunar disk.

Check out our wrap article for more of the best photos of the September 2025 total lunar eclipse as seen by photographers across the globe!

The Sept. 7-8 total lunar eclipse has come and gone, treating stargazers to a breathtaking blood moon that was witnessed by over seven billion people across Asia, western Australia and eastern Europe.

A total lunar eclipse occurs during a new moon phase when Earth passes directly between the lunar disk and the sun, entirely covering the natural satellite in its shadow.

When the moon slipped into our planet's inner shadow, the umbra, on Sept. 7, it underwent a spectacular transformation, as the red light from every sunset and sunrise on Earth fell upon its surface, turning it into a rusty red blood moon.

Billions of eyes and countless camera lenses turned skyward to witness the event, yielding a spectacular treasure trove of imagery that captured each phase of the eclipse in glorious detail. Read on to see the first spectacular views of the September total lunar eclipse.

First photos of the Sept. 7-8 blood moon total lunar eclipse

Necmettin Karaca captured this spectacular view of the moon on Sept. 7 as the deepest part of Earth's shadow swept over the lunar disk ahead of totality. Mare Crisium is visible as a dark oval to the upper right of the moon's surface, with Mare Tranquillitatis, Serenitatis and Fecunditatis arrayed beneath.

This striking image of the blood man was taken during totality by photographer Hector Retamal in the sky over Shanghai, as the lunar disk passed through Earth's umbral shadow, at which time Rayleigh Scattering forced it to adopt a deep rusty hue.

Finally Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed snapped the arc of Earth's colossal umbral shadow as it slipped from the lunar disk. Several bright craters are visible brightening the dark lunar maria that cover swathes of the lunar surface, with impact ejecta streaking outward from some of the younger sites.

Did you miss the lunar eclipse? Then be sure to check out our lunar eclipse live blog for a blow-by-blow of the event as it unfolded and read our lunar eclipse guide to find out more about the celestial mechanics that conspire to bring about a blood moon.

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your astrophotography with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

Editor's note: The September 2025 total lunar eclipse put on a spectacular show, dazzling stargazers with a mesmerizing display of orbital mechanics that briefly turned the moon blood red as Earth's shadow swept across the lunar disk.

Check out our wrap article to see the best photos of the September 2025 total lunar eclipse as seen by photographers across the globe!

Tonight (Sept. 7–8, 2025), the moon will slip into Earth's shadow for a total lunar eclipse — creating a dramatic 'blood moon'.

It's completely safe to watch with the naked eye; no filters or glasses are needed. All you need to do is make sure you find the moon at the right time, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

If you live outside of the viewing area or can't make it outside to view the eclipse live, luckily you can watch the blood moon total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7 with these free livestreams, or right here at Space.com. You can also follow along with our lunar eclipse live blog for updates, images and milestones as the eclipse unfolds. Find everything you need to know about the total lunar eclipse with our comprehensive September 2025 total lunar eclipse guide.

Asia and Western Australia get the full show. Much of Europe and Africa will see the moon already in totality as it rises, while the Americas will miss out this time. Altogether, over 7 billion people will be in range of at least part of the eclipse, according to Time and Date.

When to look

The eclipse runs from 11:28 a.m. EDT (15:28 GMT) to 4:55 p.m. EDT (20:55 GMT). The highlight is the unusually long 82 minutes of totality, lasting from 1:30 p.m. to 2:52 p.m. EDT (17:30 to 18:52 GMT).

This eclipse occurs just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee, or its closest point to Earth. That makes the moon appear slightly larger than usual, adding to the spectacle.

Viewing tips for tonight

• Beat the clouds: Check your local forecast and have a nearby backup spot.
• Give it time: The drama builds slowly — plan to watch before, during and after totality.
• Low horizon? In parts of Europe, the moon rises already eclipsed. Pick an observing spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon.
• No kit required: Binoculars help with detail, but aren't essential.

Because the moon will sit deep within Earth's umbra — the darkest part of our planet's shadow — expect a rich, dark red hue during totality. Lunar eclipses can vary in brightness depending on Earth's atmosphere, but this one is forecast to be particularly striking.

Editor's note: If you capture a photo of the total lunar eclipse and would like to share it with us, please email it over to spacephotos@space.com along with any comments.

Editor's note: The September 2025 total lunar eclipse put on a spectacular show, dazzling stargazers with a mesmerizing display of orbital mechanics that briefly turned the moon blood red as Earth's shadow swept across the lunar disk.

Check out our wrap article to see the best photos of the September 2025 total lunar eclipse as seen by photographers across the globe!

Look to the skies on Sept. 7-8 to witness Earth's shadow roll over the lunar disk, giving rise to a deep red "blood moon." Here's what to expect during each phase of this week's total lunar eclipse.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the moon and sun, temporarily bathing the entire lunar disk in its shadow. This in turn causes our natural satellite to glow a deep red, as the scattered light from every sunrise and sunset on Earth is bent onto the lunar disk.

Several distinct phases will be on display during the Sept. 7-8 total lunar eclipse, which will be visible in its entirety across swathes of Asia, western Australia and eastern Europe, while other countries like Spain and Norway will witness only a partial eclipse.

You can safely view a lunar eclipse through the glass of a telescope, binoculars, or with the naked eye, so there's no need to worry about using the specialized eclipse glasses and filters needed to protect your eyesight from the light of a solar eclipse!

If you live outside of the viewing area or can't make it outside to view the eclipse live, luckily you can watch the blood moon total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7 with these free livestreams.

Read on to discover exactly what you should expect from each stage of this week's total lunar eclipse.

The stages of the total lunar eclipse

The moon enters Earth's penumbra

The soft, outer part of Earth's shadow, known as the penumbra, will begin to sweep across the lunar surface at 11:28 a.m. EDT (1528 GMT) on Sept. 7. The shading of the lunar surface during this phase is incredibly subtle and will first become perceptible as a slight darkening on the upper left of the lunar disk a little under an hour after the start of this initial penumbral phase.

Sharp-eyed observers may see this gentle shadow creep eastward across the basaltic plains of the lunar maria that scar this part of the lunar disk, before Earth's silhouette makes a much grander entrance just a few minutes later.

Earth's inner shadow falls upon the lunar disk

The moon will begin its drift into the deepest part of Earth's shadow, the umbra, at 12:27 p.m. EDT (1627 GMT). The shadow seen during this partial phase of the lunar eclipse is far sharper than the subtly diffuse one of the earlier penumbral phase. Earth's vast silhouette will appear to consume the upper left extreme of the lunar disk within minutes of the onset of the umbral phase, before advancing eastward at a dramatic pace.

By the time Earth's umbral silhouette has covered 75% of the lunar surface, the moon's shadowed regions may appear to adopt a deep red-brown color, as longer, redder wavelengths of sunlight are refracted onto the moon's surface by our planet's dense atmosphere.

Totality

The crescendo of the Sept. 7-8 lunar eclipse will begin at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) as the final sliver of the lunar disk falls into the shadowy embrace of Earth's umbra, signaling the start of totality. During this phase, the lunar disk will transform into a spectacular blood moon, as it bathes in the red-orange refracted light of every sunset and sunrise happening on Earth at that moment. The brightness and color of the moon during totality will depend on a number of factors ranging from the weather conditions on Earth to the amount of dust present in our atmosphere.

Totality will last for approximately 82 minutes according to Time and Date, with the point of maximum eclipse occurring at 2:11 a.m. EDT (1811 GMT). During this time, viewers may notice the lower portion of the lunar disk around Mare Nubium (the Sea of Clouds) appear slightly lighter than the upper region of the lunar disk, which passes closer to the center of Earth's vast umbral shadow.

Earth's shadow slips from the lunar disk

Earth's umbra will begin to slip from the lunar disk at 2:52 p.m. EDT (1852 GMT), revealing a bright crescent on the left edge of its disk that will grow to engulf the entirety of the moon's surface, banishing the ruddy glow of totality. This partial eclipse phase will last a little over an hour, after which our planet's penumbral shadow will recede left to right across the lunar disk, with the eclipse drawing to a close at 4:55 p.m. EDT (2055 GMT).

The Sept. 7-8 total lunar eclipse will be followed by a partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, which will be visible from parts of southern Australia, a slew of Pacific islands and Antarctica.

Editor's Note: If you capture a picture of the total lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s) and comments, along with your name and the location of your shoot to spacephotos@space.com.

Editor's note: The September 2025 total lunar eclipse put on a spectacular show, dazzling stargazers with a mesmerizing display of orbital mechanics that briefly turned the moon blood red as Earth's shadow swept across the lunar disk.

Check out our wrap article to see the best photos of the September 2025 total lunar eclipse as seen by photographers across the globe!

Stargazers will be treated to a spectacular view on the night of Sept. 7-8, as Earth's inner shadow sweeps across its natural satellite, triggering a "blood moon" total lunar eclipse. Here's how you can watch the entire event live online for free.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes directly between the moon and sun during a full moon phase, veiling the ancient satellite in its colossal shadow. Over 7 billion people are expected to have a line of sight on the moon during totality as the Sept. 7-8 eclipse unfolds, while others will bear witness to lesser partial eclipse phases, or, in the case of the U.S., will see nothing of it at all.

Read on to discover a selection of free livestreams that will ensure an unspoiled view of Earth's umbral shadow as it engulfs the lunar surface, regardless of your geographical location, or the ever present threat of blanket cloud cover. Be sure to check out our lunar eclipse live blog to stay up to date with the latest news in the buildup to the Sept. 7-8 blood moon total lunar eclipse! Want to know more about the upcoming lunar eclipse? Take a look at our total lunar eclipse September 2025 guide.

The Virtual Telescope Project

The Virtual Telescope Project is set to host a free livestream of the total lunar eclipse as seen by the organization's suite of robotic telescopes located in Manciano, Italy.

Viewers can tune in to the YouTube live-feed from 1:45 p.m. EDT (17:45 GMT) on Sept. 7, as the fully eclipsed moon slips above the Italian horizon. Viewers will be treated to a view of the blood moon during totality soon after moonrise, followed by the spectacle of Earth's shadow slipping from the lunar disk.

Time and Date

Time and Date will return for another total lunar eclipse livestream hosted by journalist Anne Buckle and Graham Jones, while other members of a team led by CEO and chief eclipse chaser Steffen Thorsen will capture live views of the event from the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean.

The free YouTube livestream will be available from 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT) on Sept. 7 and will feature live views of the moon as it falls into the outer (penumbra) and inner (umbra) regions of Earth's shadow, along with totality, and the phases that follow.

Editor's Note: If you capture an image of the total lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

Editor's note: The September 2025 total lunar eclipse put on a spectacular show, dazzling stargazers with a mesmerizing display of orbital mechanics that briefly turned the moon blood red as Earth's shadow swept across the lunar disk.

Check out our wrap article to see the best photos of the September 2025 total lunar eclipse as seen by photographers across the globe!

A total lunar eclipse will occur overnight on Sunday (Sept. 7) into the early hours of Monday (Sept. 8), creating a striking red 'blood moon' for skywatchers across Asia, Western Australia and Europe.

The September lunar eclipse will reach totality, when the moon is fully immersed in Earth's dark umbral shadow, at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) on Sept. 7.

Totality, the period when the moon is completely engulfed in Earth's umbral shadow, will last for approximately 82 minutes. Key totality viewing times according to Time and Date across different time zones include:

• London (BST): 7:30 p.m. – 7:52 p.m. (Sept. 7) — moon rises already in eclipse
• Paris (CEST): 7:30 p.m. – 8:52 p.m. (Sept. 7) — visible low on the horizon
• Cape Town (SAST): 7:30 p.m. – 8:52 p.m. (Sept. 7)
• Istanbul/Cairo/Nairobi (EEST/EAT): 8:30 p.m. – 9:52 p.m. (Sept. 7)
• Tehran (IRST): 9:00 p.m. – 10:22 p.m. (Sept. 7)
• Mumbai (IST): 11:00 p.m. (Sept. 7) – 12:22 a.m. (Sept. 8)
• Bangkok (ICT): 12:30 a.m. – 1:52 a.m. (Sept. 8)
• Beijing (CST): 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. (Sept. 8)
• Hong Kong (HKT): 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. (Sept. 8)
• Perth (AWST): 1:30 a.m. – 2:52 a.m. (Sept. 8)
• Tokyo (JST): 2:30 a.m. – 3:52 a.m. (Sept. 8)
• Sydney (AEST): 3:30 a.m. – 4:52 a.m. (Sept. 8)

Almost 77% of the world's population will be able to witness the entire total phase of this eclipse, according to Time and Date.

If you're unable to catch the lunar eclipse in person, you can watch the blood moon total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7 with these free livestreams. We'll also be livestreaming the event on Space.com so you can enjoy the blood moon from the comfort of your own home. Follow along with the latest updates in our lunar eclipse live blog.

What will happen

The eclipse begins as the moon enters Earth's penumbral shadow, causing a subtle shading effect. As it moves deeper into the umbra, a dark shadow will creep across the lunar surface until, during "totality," it turns a reddish-orange hue. The exact shade of the blood moon depends on Earth's atmospheric conditions at the time of the eclipse.

This eclipse occurs just 2.7 days before the moon reaches perigee (its closest point to Earth), meaning the moon will appear slightly larger than usual in the night sky. Because this total eclipse will sit deep within Earth's umbra, the darkest part of our planet's shadow, the moon is expected to turn a rich, dark red.

For observers in Asia and Australia, the moon will be high in the sky during totality, making it ideal for viewing and photography. In Europe and Africa, the eclipse will be visible as the moon rises at dusk. The Americas, unfortunately, will miss out on this one.

Editor's note: This article was corrected to reflect the fact that totality began at 1:30 p.m. EDT (1730 GMT) on Sept. 7.

Editor's note: If you capture a photo of the total lunar eclipse and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, please email it along with any comments to spacephotos@space.com.

The second total lunar eclipse of 2025 will transform the full moon into a coppery-red "blood moon" on the night of Sept. 7–8.

This long-lasting, impressive eclipse is visible to billions worldwide, but exactly what you'll see depends on where you're watching it from.

You can keep up with the latest lunar eclipse news with our total lunar eclipse live blog. If you live outside of the viewing area or can't make it outside to view the eclipse live, luckily you can watch the blood moon total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7 with these free livestreams.

Best places to see the total lunar eclipse

The best views of the total lunar eclipse will be from Asian and Western Australia, where skywatchers can see the entire event from start to finish, according to Time and Date.

Totality, when the moon is fully immersed in Earth's shadow, will last 82 minutes, from 17:30 to 18:52 GMT (1:30–2:52 a.m. local time in Perth, 2:30–3:52 a.m. in Tokyo).

Observers across eastern Australia, New Zealand, Africa and parts of the Middle East will also see most of the eclipse phases. The only major regions missing out entirely are the Americas. But don't worry, U.S. skywatchers won't have to wait too much longer for a blood moon as the total lunar eclipse on March 2–3 2026 will be visible from Asia, Australia and North America.

Tricky viewing in Europe

From much of Europe, the total lunar eclipse will already be underway at moonrise. That means the blood-red moon will climb above the eastern horizon already darkened, creating a dramatic but challenging sight. Because eclipsed moons appear dimmer than normal, a clear, unobstructed view low to the horizon will be needed to catch the lunar show.

For example, in Berlin, the moon rises at 7:37 p.m. CEST, just as totality begins, while in London, the moon rises at 7:30 p.m. BST, shortly after the eclipse has reached totality. Western Europe will see less of the eclipse as the moon rises later into the event.

What to expect

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye. The moon will gradually shift from a bright silver to a deep red as Earth's shadow covers it. Because this is a relatively "deep" eclipse, where the moon passes deep within the center of Earth's shadow, known as the umbra, expect the moon to look darker than usual, glowing a rusty orange or even brown-red.

It may not be as dramatic as a total solar eclipse, but there's something equally epic about watching Earth's shadow gradually engulfing and coloring the moon during a total lunar eclipse. The next total lunar eclipse — colloquially called a "blood moon" — will occur on Sept. 7-8, 2025, but it won't be another 177 days until the phenomenon is visible from parts of North America, on March 2-3, 2026.

An eclipse of the moon is a global event, happening at a specific time, and only those on the night side of Earth see it. On Sept. 7-8, North America won't be on the night side, with prime visibility limited to Africa, India, China and Australia. Western Europe will get a glimpse of the event at moonrise, but mostly misses out on the event, too. That's a shame because the Sept.7-8 total lunar eclipse will see the lunar surface turn reddish for 82 minutes, just as it did on March 13-14, 2025, when moongazers in North America were in prime position for some spectacular photos.

However, exactly one lunar year — 354 days (12 orbits of the moon around Earth) — later, another total lunar eclipse will be visible from North America. The next blood moon visible from North America will be overnight on March 2-3, 2026, when the lunar surface will turn reddish for 58 minutes. It will be seen from North America, Australia and East Asia, though the epicenter will be the Pacific Ocean.

It's a case of the farther west you are in North America, the better view you'll get. In fact, skywatchers in New York will see only a short totality at the moonset on March 3. Even in the Midwest, totality takes place close to the moonset, with only those west of Kansas seeing totality higher in the sky. That's important because the moon tends to glow orange when it's close to the horizon anyway, so the redness of totality loses its impact when it occurs close to the horizon.

Although the West Coast — California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska in the U.S., and British Columbia in Canada — will get to see all stages of the eclipse high in the sky, arguably the best places will be those with reliably clear skies. In March, your best chances are the desert southwest (the southern regions of California, Arizona and New Mexico) and Hawaii, according to data from Time and Date.

The March 2-3, 2026 total lunar eclipse is the third of three in a row inside one lunar year. Total lunar eclipses — which always occur during a full moon — often arrive in triads, accompanied by at least one solar eclipse two weeks before and/or after. In this case, it's preceded by an annular solar eclipse caused by a new moon on Feb. 17, 2026, during which 96% of the sun's disk will be blocked by the moon for up to 2 minutes 20 seconds — but only as seen from Antarctica.

Get ready stargazers!

In just one week, Earth's shadow will roll across the lunar surface, giving rise to a spectacular 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7-8.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the moon and sun, casting its shadow over our natural satellite. The tilted orbit of Earth's moon prevents us from experiencing a total lunar eclipse every month during the full moon phase. However, about three times every year, orbital mechanics conspire to bring the Earth, moon and sun into perfect alignment, setting the stage for a breathtaking lunar spectacle.

The week leading up to the total lunar eclipse is the perfect time to stake out your ideal eclipse viewing spot. This extra bit of prep will give photographers the opportunity to line up spectacular compositions featuring the eclipsed moon alongside iconic landmarks, while also allowing naked eye viewers to ensure that there won't be any pesky buildings ruining their view.

Stargazers lucky enough to have a direct line of sight on the moon during the total lunar eclipse will see it take on a rusty red hue as it slips into the deepest part of Earth's shadow during totality, known as its umbra. This crimson glow comes from Rayleigh scattering, wherein bluer wavelengths of sunlight are deflected by particles in Earth's atmosphere, while longer red wavelengths are allowed to pass through relatively unhindered.

During totality, the moon is saturated in the longer wavelengths of sunlight, causing it to turn a deep red, granting it the moniker of a "blood moon".

There's absolutely no need to panic if clouds threaten your view of the lunar spectacle, or if the moon is below the horizon as the eclipse unfolds, as Space.com will be hosting a livestream of the event online, with details to be released closer to the time. You can also follow along with the latest eclipse news via our lunar eclipse live blog, which will provide views of the different eclipse phases as they happen, along with reports from observers in the field.

What to look out for when the blood moon rises on Sept. 7-8

The total lunar eclipse will begin globally at 11:28 a.m. (1528 GMT) on Sept. 7, with totality occurring at 1:30 p.m. ET (1730 GMT) and stretching on for a staggering 82 minutes before the deepest part of Earth's shadow begins to slip from the surface of the lunar disk.

Each phase of the eclipse will occur at the same time for everyone on Earth, though your ability to see it will be dictated by whether the moon is above the horizon as the cosmic alignment plays out.

An estimated 5.8 billion people — roughly 76% of the world's population — spread across Australia, Asia, Africa and eastern Europe will be in a position to witness totality from beginning to end.

Viewers in countries on either side of this block, such as the U.K., Spain and Brazil, will get a glimpse at some phases of the eclipse, but miss parts, or all of totality. Sadly, the moon will be below the horizon for the entirety of the Sept. 7-8 eclipse for those in the Americas.

There's no risk of damaging your eyesight when viewing the stages of a total lunar eclipse — as opposed to a solar eclipse, where utmost care must be taken to protect your eyesight — so feel free to observe the event through a telescope, with binoculars, or the naked eye!

Looking to get a lasting memory of the Sept. 7 eclipse? Then why not check out our guide to photographing a lunar eclipse with a DSLR and read our roundup of the best cameras and lenses available for astrophotography in 2025.

Editor's Note: This article was updated on Sept. 2, 2025 to reflect the fact that lunar eclipses occur during a monthly full moon phase.

Editor's Note: If you capture an image of the total lunar eclipse and want to share it with Space.com's readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

On Sept 7, 2025, a dramatic "blood moon" will rise as Earth experiences its second total lunar eclipse of the year.

Skywatchers across Asia and Western Australia will get the best view of the Sept. 7 total lunar eclipse from start to finish, but those in Europe, Africa, eastern Australia and New Zealand may still catch a glimpse of the moon during some of the eclipse phases, including totality.

You can learn more about the total lunar eclipse on Sept. 7 with our lunar eclipse 2025 guide and keep up to date with the latest lunar eclipse content with our lunar eclipse live blog.

What time is the lunar eclipse?

Lunar eclipses are global events that happen at the same time for everyone, no matter where you are on Earth. However, whether you see the eclipse depends on whether the moon is above your horizon at that time.

The Sept. 7 lunar eclipse will take place between 15:28 and 20:55 GMT with the moon fully immersed in Earth's dark inner shadow — known as the umbra — for a stunning 82 minutes of totality between 17:30 and 18:52 GMT.

Here's when totality happens in some key cities.

• Perth, Australia: 1:30 to 2:52 a.m. AWST on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
• Mumbai, India: 11:00 p.m. IST on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 to 12:22 a.m. IST on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
• Cairo: 8:30 to 9:52 p.m. EEST on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025
• Cape Town, South Africa: 7:30 to 8:52 p.m. SAST on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025

These are times for totality only — the most dramatic part of the eclipse. But it's worth looking up at least 75 minutes earlier to watch the partial eclipse as Earth's shadow slowly creeps across the moon, and staying after totality to see the moon gradually return to full brightness.

For specific timings for your location, we recommend heading over to Time and Date where you can find detailed viewing information.

Where can I see the lunar eclipse?

Approximately 77% of the world's population, about 6.2 billion people, will be able to see all of the total phase of the lunar eclipse, with almost 88% (7.1 billion people) seeing at least some of the penumbral phase, according to Time and Date.

In Europe, however, the moon will rise already eclipsed, so timing and a clear view of the eastern horizon will be key. Here's when moonrise and totality line up in a few European cities: