{"id":326621,"date":"2026-03-03T12:19:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T12:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/326621\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T12:19:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T12:19:18","slug":"total-lunar-eclipse-march-3-2026-live-updates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/326621\/","title":{"rendered":"Total lunar eclipse March 3, 2026 \u2014 Live updates"},"content":{"rendered":"

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2026-03-03T12:04:49.272Z
\nThe end of the blood moon phase <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Photo by Phil Walter\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Totality has now ended. A thin, bright sliver of moonlight is beginning to reappear as the lunar disk slowly emerges from the umbra. Though the blood moon is fading, now is a great time to keep watching as the thin silvery crescent glows along one edge. Over the next hour or so, you’ll see the crescent grow and sweep across the lunar disk; it’s like watching all the phases of the moon sped up to mere minutes in front of your very eyes.<\/p>\n

Read more: Totality is over \u2014 Feast your eyes on the 1st photos of the blood moon total lunar eclipse 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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2026-03-03T11:36:31.042Z
\nMaximum eclipse reached<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Time and Date)<\/p>\n

The eclipse has reached maximum. The moon is closest to the center of Earth’s shadow, glowing its richest red of this event.<\/p>\n

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2026-03-03T11:07:36.857Z
\nTotality has begun! <\/p>\n

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Totality has started. (Image credit: Time and Date)<\/p>\n

Heads up, skywatchers, totality is here! The moon is now fully immersed in Earth’s darkest shadow, known as the umbra. Sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere is tinting the moon red.<\/p>\n

Behold the spectacular blood moon phase. Totality will last for 58 minutes in total, so sit back, relax and enjoy the show.<\/p>\n

Follow along with these eclipse livestreams<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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2026-03-03T10:42:46.299Z
\nT-20 minutes until the start of totality! <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Time and Date)<\/p>\n

Heads up skywatchers! There is not long to wait until the blood moon phase of the total lunar eclipse, with totality starting at 6:04 a.m. EST (1104 GMT). <\/p>\n

Maximum eclipse will occur at 6:33 a.m. EST (1133 GMT) and totality will end at 7:02 a.m. EST (1202 GMT).<\/p>\n

But it doesn’t end there! The lunar eclipse will continue through the partial lunar eclipse phase until 8:17 a.m. EST (1317 GMT).<\/p>\n

The lunar eclipse will officially end at 9:23 a.m. EST (1423) with the end of the penumbral phase, but this is very subtle, so it’s unlikely you’ll notice much of a difference.<\/p>\n

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2026-03-03T10:27:38.717Z
\nDeepening partial eclipse as we head toward totality <\/p>\n

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View of the lunar eclipse from New Zealand. (Image credit: Mirko Harnisch & Dunedin Astronomical Society \/ Virtual Telescope Project)<\/p>\n

As more of the moon moves into the umbra, the shadow will appear dark gray at first. But watch closely as it won’t stay that way! As totality approaches (beginning at 6:04 a.m. EST (1104 GMT), the eclipsed portion will begin to take on a coppery, rusty hue.<\/p>\n

Because observers in New Zealand are viewing the moon from the opposite side of Earth compared to those in U.S., the lunar disk appears effectively rotated \u2014 making the deepening partial eclipse look “upside down,” with Earth’s shadow falling on the opposite side of the moon.<\/p>\n

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2026-03-03T09:51:27.748Z
\nThe lunar eclipse has entered the partial phase <\/p>\n

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The lunar eclipse has now entered the partial lunar eclipse phase. (Image credit: Time and Date)<\/p>\n

The eclipse has now entered the partial phase. From here on, Earth’s deepest shadow, known as the umbra, begins to sweep across our lunar companion. A curved, dark bit is beginning to appear on the moon’s edge, slowly growing as our planet’s shadow advances.<\/p>\n

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2026-03-03T09:33:13.343Z
\nCan you spot it yet? <\/p>\n

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Screengrab from Time and Date’s livestream. (Image credit: Time and Date)<\/p>\n

The upper left portion of the moon is starting to look darker. Can you see it?<\/p>\n

The shading will become more noticeable as we move towards the partial eclipse phase at 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT).<\/p>\n

Totality will occur between 6:04 and 7:04 a.m. EST (11:04\u201312:03 GMT), during which the moon will appear a dramatic blood red, weather permitting.<\/p>\n

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2026-03-03T08:48:54.192Z
\nThe total lunar eclipse 2026 has officially begun!<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Virtual Telescope Project\/ Karim Jaffer (Montreal Centre, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada & John Abbott College)<\/p>\n

Good morning space fans!<\/p>\n

The total lunar eclipse is now underway. The moon has begun slipping into Earth’s outer shadow, known as the penumbra. Currently, there is a very subtle dimming of the lunar surface, easy to miss at first, but the shading will gradually become more noticeable. Keep your eyes peeled!<\/p>\n

If you’re unable to watch in person, then why not watch online! We’ve rounded up the best total lunar eclipse livestreams<\/a> for you, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. <\/p>\n

I’ve also made a big pot of coffee, so I’m here for the long haul and will be keeping you up to date with all the lunar eclipse shenanigans here on our live blog. Stay tuned! <\/p>\n

Related: Total lunar eclipse weather forecast: Will US skies be clear for the blood moon?<\/a><\/p>\n

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2026-03-02T18:17:22.235Z
\nTotal lunar eclipse weather forecast<\/p>\n

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Will clouds conspire to spoil your view? (Image credit: Giuliano Domenichini via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The blood moon total lunar eclipse is mere hours away<\/a>, but your ability to actually lay eyes on the shadowy display will depend entirely on your location and, of course, the weather. The latest weather forecast reveals that around half of the U.S. will have at least occasional clear skies to reveal the orbital drama, but central and eastern states will face the worst of the cloud cover.<\/p>\n

Check out our total lunar eclipse weather forecast below to discover your viewing prospects for the March 3 blood moon eclipse.<\/p>\n

Read more: Total lunar eclipse weather forecast: Will US skies be clear for the blood moon?<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-03-02T11:16:19.010Z
\nT-24 hours until the total lunar eclipse!<\/p>\n

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The total lunar eclipse will be visible to skywatchers across North America in the early hours of March 3 (weather permitting). (Image credit: Canva Pro)<\/p>\n

Heads up skywatchers!<\/p>\n

Set your alarm \u2014 the total lunar eclipse of March 3<\/a> is almost here, and for many North American skywatchers it unfolds in the early hours before sunrise (weather permitting!)<\/p>\n

Some observers may even witness a rare atmospheric illusion called a selenelion<\/a>, an ‘impossible’ moment when the rising sun and eclipsed moon appear in the sky at the same time!<\/p>\n

Key resources: <\/p>\n

2026-03-01T14:01:23.473Z
\nWhat time is the eclipse and where can I watch it online?<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Created in Canva Pro)<\/p>\n

The blood moon is almost upon us! It will be the last total lunar eclipse until New Year’s Eve 2028, so catch it if you can!<\/p>\n

Check out our handy guides below on where to watch the action online and also what time to catch the main event.<\/p>\n

Read more: Watch the ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse on March 3 with these free livestreams<\/a><\/p>\n

Read more: What time is the blood moon total lunar eclipse on March 3?<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-28T13:51:36.469Z
\nSee the ‘impossible’ during March 3’s total lunar eclipse<\/p>\n

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See the ‘impossible’ during March 3’s total lunar eclipse (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro)<\/p>\n

Can you really see a sunrise and a blood moon at the same time? <\/p>\n

On March 3, some skywatchers may witness a rare atmospheric effect called a selenelion, when the rising sun and an eclipsed moon briefly share the sky. <\/p>\n

Read more: See the ‘impossible’ as sunrise and a total lunar eclipse appear at the same time on March 3<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-27T18:51:58.506Z
\nThe total lunar eclipse will be the last one for nearly 3 years <\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Created in Canva Pro)<\/p>\n

If you’re planning to wake up early for the total lunar eclipse on March 3, here’s something to keep in mind: after this blood moon, we won’t see another for nearly 3 years! So it’s worth catching this one if you can.<\/p>\n

There are no total lunar eclipses in 2027. The next time the moon fully enters Earth’s shadow won’t be until Dec. 31, 2028 \u2014 New Year’s Eve \u2014 kicking off a rare run of three total lunar eclipses between 2028 and 2029.<\/p>\n

Read more: The total lunar eclipse on March 3 will be the last until New Year’s Eve 2028<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-27T10:07:02.200Z
\nWhy does the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse?<\/p>\n

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The moon turn’s a coppery blood red hue during a total lunar eclipse. (Image credit: imagodevita via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On March 3, a total lunar eclipse<\/a> will turn the moon red for billions of skywatchers around the world. But what causes the blood moon? Why doesn’t the moon turn completely black during a total lunar eclipse? <\/p>\n

The answer lies in the way Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, scattering blue light while allowing red and orange wavelengths to reach the moon. It’s as if all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the moon at once. <\/p>\n

Read more: Why does the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse?<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-26T15:10:08.520Z
\nWant to photograph the upcoming lunar eclipse but don’t know where to start?<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Igor Alecsander via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

We’ve rounded up seven easy tips for photographing the total lunar eclipse on March 3 so you’re not left in the dark come the big day!<\/p>\n

You may not need advanced gear to photograph a lunar eclipse, but preparation is key.<\/p>\n

Read more: 7 easy tips for photographing the ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse on March 3 <\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-26T09:35:46.200Z
\nA blood moon is coming, but what will actually happen?<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Photo by Vishal Bhatnagar\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

In the early hours of March 3, skywatchers across the Americas, east Asia and Oceania will witness a blood moon total lunar eclipse<\/a>. Totality, during which the moon will sit in the deepest part of Earth’s shadow, the umbra, will last for 58 minutes.<\/p>\n

But the show goes on for much longer than that. <\/p>\n

Read more: What to expect during each phase of the ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse on March 3<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-25T09:52:15.077Z
\nPlanning on heading somewhere for the blood moon? We’ve got you covered<\/p>\n

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The total lunar eclipse will be visible to billions of people worldwide, weather permitting. (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro)<\/p>\n

Still unsure of where you’ll be for the last total lunar eclipse until New Year’s Eve 2028-2029? We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best places to head for great views of the blood moon on March 3<\/a>, from dark sky reserves to remote deserts.<\/p>\n

Read more: 10 best places to see the ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse on March 3<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-24T11:48:55.885Z
\nWho will be able to see the total lunar eclipse? <\/p>\n

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The ‘blood moon’ will be visible to skywatchers across western North America, Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia, weather dependent. (Image credit: WILLIAM WEST\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The March 2026 total lunar eclipse will bring a dramatic blood moon to skies across North America, Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia \u2014 if you know where to look.<\/p>\n

Though the blood moon total lunar eclipse will be visible to billions of people 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.<\/p>\n

Read more: Where to see the total lunar eclipse in the early hours of March 3<\/a><\/p>\n

2026-02-23T15:44:00.241Z
\nOne week to the blood moon! We’re ready, are you?<\/p>\n

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A blood moon captured over South Africa. (Image credit: WIKUS DE WET\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

In just one week, a spectacular display of orbital mechanics will be visible to billions of people across the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, as Earth’s shadow sweeps across the lunar disk, triggering the onset of an awe-inspiring ‘blood moon’ total lunar eclipse.<\/p>\n

Read more: 1 week until a breathtaking blood moon rises over the US during total lunar eclipse 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

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