Total Lunar Eclipse March 2026: Blood Moon Viewing & Photography Guide

This isn't just any lunar eclipse. Here's why you shouldn't miss it:

Last chance until 2028. After March 2026, the next total lunar eclipse won't occur until December 31, 2028. That's nearly three years away.

The 'Blood Moon' effect. During totality, the Moon doesn't disappear—it turns a haunting reddish-orange color. This happens because Earth's atmosphere bends sunlight around our planet and filters out blue wavelengths, projecting only red light onto the lunar surface.

58 minutes of totality. This is a generous eclipse. You'll have nearly an hour to observe, photograph, and simply enjoy the spectacle.

The total eclipse occurs in the early morning hours of March 3, 2026 for North American observers. Here are the key times:

*Hawaii times are March 2nd (the night before).

⚠️ Warning for Eastern/Central US: The Moon will set during or shortly after totality for observers in these regions. Western observers get the full show.

Best locations in the US:

• Hawaii — Full eclipse visibility with the Moon high in the sky
• Alaska — Complete visibility, no moonset issues
• Pacific Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) — Totality visible before sunrise
• Mountain States (Arizona, Utah, Colorado) — Excellent conditions if skies are clear

International visibility:

• Australia & New Zealand — Visible as the Moon rises in the evening
• East Asia — Full visibility during evening/night hours
• Europe — Only the beginning partial phases visible before moonset

Dark skies not required. Unlike meteor showers or Milky Way viewing, you can watch a lunar eclipse from your backyard, even in the city. The Moon is bright enough to see through light pollution.

Lunar eclipse photography is surprisingly accessible. Here's how to capture stunning Blood Moon shots:

Basic Setup:

• Camera: Any DSLR, mirrorless, or even a modern smartphone
• Lens: 200-600mm telephoto for detail; 14-50mm wide-angle for context shots
• Tripod: Essential for sharp images at any focal length
• Remote shutter: Prevents camera shake (or use the 2-second timer)

Recommended Settings:

Pro Tips:

1. Bracket your exposures — The Moon's brightness changes dramatically during the eclipse
2. Focus on the Moon before totality — Autofocus struggles during the dim total phase
3. Shoot RAW — You'll need the dynamic range for processing

March nights are cold. You'll be outside for 2-4 hours. Here's what to pack:

Photography Essentials:

• Tripod (sturdy enough for telephoto lenses)
• Extra batteries (cold drains them fast)
• Remote shutter release or intervalometer
• Lens hood (prevents dew)

Comfort & Warmth:

• Insulated jacket and layers
• Hand warmers
• Hot drinks in a thermos
• Reclining chair for neck comfort

Don't have a DSLR? No problem. Modern smartphones can capture impressive eclipse shots:

iPhone (14 Pro or newer):

• Use the 3x or 5x telephoto lens
• Enable ProRAW for maximum editing flexibility
• Tap and hold to lock focus/exposure before totality

Android Flagships:

• Use Pro/Manual mode
• Set focus to infinity and lock it
• Lower ISO (400-800) and longer shutter (1-2 seconds)

Phone Adapter Trick: Attach your phone to binoculars or a telescope eyepiece. This "afocal" method produces surprisingly detailed lunar close-ups.

Lunar eclipses are social events. Unlike solar eclipses, you can watch comfortably without special glasses. Here's how to make it memorable:

Host an Eclipse Watch Party:

• Set up lawn chairs and blankets
• Provide hot chocolate and snacks
• Have binoculars available for guests to share
• Use a star chart app to identify other objects while waiting

Educational for Kids:

• Explain why the Moon turns red (Earth's atmosphere!)
• Time the phases together
• Have them draw what they see at different stages
• Use it as a lesson about Earth's shadow

Live with Others: Share the experience on social media with #BloodMoon2026 or #LunarEclipse2026.