Aussies will want to clear their calendars next Tuesday, March 3rd, as a lunar eclipse is set to turn the moon red in a spectacular show for those lucky enough to see it. 

Australians don’t get the chance to see every lunar eclipse that occurs, making this a particularly special event for everyone Down Under.

NASA describes a total lunar eclipse as when Earth passes directly between the Sun and Moon, casting a reddish, coppery glow on the lunar surface.

The main event of this already otherworldly phenomenon is when the moon eventually becomes fully engulfed in the copper glow, also known as it reaching totality.

Although this will be a sight for all to enjoy, sky gazers on the East Coast will be the only ones who get to bask under the glow every step of the way, including the penumbral phase.

The penumbral phase occurs when the Moon passes through the faint outer shadow cast by the Earth, leaving a subtle, slight dimming of the lunar surface.

The blood red moon is expected to be visible at the following times in each city next week.

Adelaide – 9.34pm to 10.32pm (peak at 10.03pm) Brisbane – 9.04pm to 10.02pm (peaks at 9.33pm) Canberra – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm) Darwin – 8.34pm to 9.32pm (peaks at 9.03pm) Hobart – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm) Melbourne – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm) Perth – 7.04pm to 8.02pm (peaks at 7.33pm) Sydney – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)

To be fully immersed, skygazers won’t need anything but their own two eyes to safely see this lunar eclipse in all of its glory.

Although if onlookers wanted to make things extra special, they should scout for a vantage point with low artificial light, some elevation, and wide-open skies.

Following Tuesday, March 3rd, the next lunar eclipse won’t happen again until July 22, 2028.