March 3, 2026 total lunar eclipse: Visibility and timings guide
03 Feb. 2026
On March 3, 2026 a total lunar eclipse will take place. It will be visible across much of the Americas and the Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of East Asia.
Where the entire total phase is visible and skies cooperate, observers can enjoy nearly an hour of totality.
The eclipse will not be visible at all from Europe and Africa.
A total lunar eclipse is one of the most accessible, and most dramatic skywatching events: no special equipment is required, and the “Blood Moon” effect can be spectacular even with the naked eye.
In this guide, you’ll learn what’s happening, what to look for, and when to observe from your location.
Observing the eclipse from the United States (March 3, early morning)
the visibility of the total phase (totality) varies depending on longitude and local time. Western parts of the U.S. will see the whole total eclipse, while the eastern parts will only catch part of it as the Moon sets before totality ends.
Where the whole totality will be visible
Western and Central U.S. locations, roughly from the Rocky Mountains westward (including states like California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and much of the Mountain Time Zone) will see the entire total phase of the eclipse above the horizon.
In these areas the Moon will be up in the sky throughout totality and visible before it begins to set.
Where Only Partial Totality Is Visible
Eastern and Southeastern U.S. states in the Eastern Time Zone (e.g., New York, Florida, the Carolinas) will see the Moon rising or setting while totality is underway, so the entire total phase won’t be visible from start to finish.
In these regions, the Moon begins to enter Earth’s shadow and may already be in or near totality at moonset, or it will set before the eclipse is complete.
As a result, observers will see only a portion of the total eclipse, often with the Moon low on the horizon, setting in the western sky during totality.
Totality timetable and visibility(local hours)
*Totality ends very close to moonset, with the Moon extremely low on the horizon, visibility may be difficult.
Observing the eclipse from Australia,New Zealand, South-West Pacific (evening / deep night)
Where the whole totality is visible
For this March 3–4, 2026 total lunar eclipse, totality is fully observable across essentially all of Australia and New Zealand, plus much of the South-West Pacific.
In parts of western/southern Australia, the eclipse’s earlier stages can start before moonrise, but totality begins after the Moon is up, often very low over the eastern horizon, which can make the start of totality harder if you have trees/buildings/hills.
Totality timetable and visibility(local hours)
Eastern Asia & South Asia (evening)
Where the whole totality is visible
For the March 3, 2026 total lunar eclipse, most of East and Southeast Asia enjoys ideal evening conditions.
The entire total phase is fully visible from all of Japan, most of eastern China, all of Indonesia
March 2026 total lunar eclipses stages
A lunar eclipse unfolds over several hours. As time progresses, the Moon gradually enters Earth's shadow. As long as it is not completely immersed, the eclipse remains partial. Therefore, all total lunar eclipses begin and end with a partial phase.
Key stages of the eclipse
- Penumbral entry -The Moon starts receiving less sunlight, but the dimming is barely noticeable.
- Beginning of the partial eclipse -Part of the Moon enters the Earth's shadow, appearing as a growing dark area on the lunar disk.
- Beginning of the total eclipse -The entire Moon is now within Earth's shadow, taking on a reddish hue.
- Eclipse maximum -The Moon reaches the center of Earth's shadow, offering the most dramatic view.
- End of totality -The Moon begins to emerge from Earth's shadow, gradually regaining its natural brightness.
- End of partial eclipse -The moon leaves Earth's shadow
- End of the partial and penumbral eclipse – The event concludes completely.
What is a Lunar Eclipse?
- If the alignment is perfect, the entire Moon is plunged into Earth's shadow: this is a total eclipse.
- If the alignment is slightly off, only part of the Moon enters the Earth's shadow: this results in a partial eclipse.
