Update Tuesday, March 3: Tonight is the night! Australians all across the country\u00a0will have a rare chance to witness the total lunar eclipse, which won’t happen again until 2028!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another month, another full moon \u2013 but March’s\u00a0\u2018blood moon\u2019 is anything but ordinary. Also known as a total lunar eclipse,\u00a0this rare\u00a0celestial event will paint Australian skies in an eerie reddish\u00a0glow\u00a0for 58 mystical minutes\u00a0on the\u00a0evening of\u00a0Tuesday, March\u00a03.<\/p>\n
This\u00a0total lunar eclipse\u00a0is a big deal: not only is it the\u00a0first of the year, but it’s also the last one visible from\u00a0everywhere on Earth until\u00a02028. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about spotting\u00a0the blood moon\u00a0in Australia this March.<\/p>\n
What is a total lunar eclipse? <\/p>\n
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon are aligned perfectly in space during a full moon (this doesn\u2019t happen every month because it depends on the moon\u2019s orbital tilt). When Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, it blocks all direct sunlight, resulting in the moon taking on an eerie reddish glow. That haunting hue is what\u2019s earned it the name \u2018blood moon\u2019.<\/p>\n
When is the total lunar eclipse in Australia?<\/p>\n
The total lunar eclipse \u2013\u00a0or blood moon \u2013 will\u00a0take place on the\u00a0night\u00a0of Tuesday,\u00a0March\u00a03. It will\u00a0be visible in every state and territory in Australia, although the highly anticipated\u00a0phase of totality (lasting 58 minutes) will\u00a0occur\u00a0at slightly\u00a0different times depending on time zones.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s when full totality will start and end in Australia\u2019s capital cities:<\/p>\n
\nAdelaide\u00a0\u2013\u00a09.34pm to\u00a010.32pm (peaks at 10.03pm)
\nBrisbane\u00a0\u2013 9.04pm\u00a0to\u00a010.02pm (peaks at 9.33pm)
\nCanberra\u00a0\u2013\u00a010.04pm to\u00a011.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)
\nDarwin\u00a0\u2013\u00a08.34pm to\u00a09.32pm (peaks at 9.03pm)
\nHobart\u00a0\u2013\u00a010.04pm to\u00a011.02pm\u00a0(peaks at 10.33pm)
\nMelbourne\u00a0\u2013\u00a010.04pm to\u00a011.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)
\nPerth \u2013\u00a07.04pm to 8.02pm\u00a0(peaks at 7.33pm)
\nSydney \u2013\u00a010.04pm to\u00a011.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)
<\/p>\n
You can find exact details of when the total lunar eclipse will be visible in your city on TimeAndDate.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n How to see the\u00a0total lunar eclipse in Australia? <\/p>\n Unlike other celestial events, total lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. You won\u2019t need any special gear, but binoculars or telescopes will enhance your view.<\/p>\n For the clearest view of the blood moon, head to a high vantage point with an unobstructed view of the horizon. Ideally, this should also be a dark place away from artificial light, allowing you to witness the full crimson glow. If you’re keen to see the blood moon in all its glory, these are the best stargazing spots in Australia<\/a>.<\/p>\n When is the next lunar eclipse in Australia?<\/p>\n If you miss this eclipse, you’ll\u00a0be waiting\u00a0a while\u00a0for the next one. After March 2026, the\u00a0next total lunar eclipse\u00a0won’t\u00a0happen\u00a0until July 22, 2028. It will be fully\u00a0visible in NSW, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, while\u00a0the ACT, Tasmania and Victoria will experience a partial eclipse.<\/p>\n