Blood Moon March 3: The Last Total Lunar Eclipse Until 2029, Here's How to Watch It

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Blood Moon, or total lunar eclipse, will once again greet stargazers on March 3, 2026.

This rare event happens when Earth is directly between the Moon and the Sun, causing the Moon to be cast in Earth's shadow and emit a distinctive reddish hue.

This will be the last total lunar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth until the end of 2028-2029.

The Blood Moon's distinctive blood-red color is caused by the refraction of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere.

Air molecules scatter blue light, allowing only longer red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon's surface, creating a stunning sight.

The intensity of this color can vary depending on Earth's atmospheric conditions, such as the presence of volcanic ash or pollution.

This total lunar eclipse is predicted to be clearly visible across much of North America, Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia.

More than 40% of the world's population will have the opportunity to witness at least part of the totality phase.

The term Blood Moon refers non-scientifically to the reddish appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse.

This phenomenon happens when the Moon moves completely into Earth's umbra shadow, which is the darkest part of our planet's shadow.

This is different from a partial or penumbral lunar eclipse, where the Moon is only partially or completely covered by Earth's shadow.

The primary reason behind this stunning red hue is the way Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight.

As sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, small molecules scatter most of the blue light, a process known as Rayleigh scattering, cause longer red and orange wavelengths penetrate and reach the Moon's surface, making it appear red.

The total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will be a significant event because it will be the last Blood Moon before New Year's Eve 2028-2029.

The totality phase, during which the Moon will appear blood red, is expected to last 58 minutes and 19 seconds.

The entire eclipse duration, including the partial and penumbral phases, will span approximately 5 hours and 39 minutes.

Here are the estimated times of totality for the Blood Moon in several key regions, where you can witness the Moon's dramatic color change:

• Eastern Time (EST): 6:04 - 7:02 a.m. on March 3, 2026 (The Moon may set during totality in many eastern locations).
• Central Time (CST): 5:04 AM - 6:02 AM on March 3, 2026.
• Mountain Time (MST): 4:04 AM - 5:02 AM on March 3, 2026.
• Pacific Time (PST): 3:04 AM - 4:02 AM on March 3, 2026.
• Alaska Time (AKST): 2:04 AM - 3:02 AM on March 3, 2026.
• Hawaii Time (HST): 1:04 AM - 2:02 AM on March 3, 2026.
• New Zealand Time (NZDT): 12:04 AM - 1:02 AM on March 4, 2026.
• Sydney, Australia (AEDT): 10:04 PM - 11:02 PM on March 3, 2026.
• Tokyo, Japan (JST): 8:04 PM - 9:02 PM on March 3, 2026.
• Seoul, South Korea (KST): 8:04 PM - 9:02 PM on March 3, 2026.
• Beijing, China (CST): 7:04 PM - 8:02 PM on March 3, 2026.

Watching a Blood Moon, or total lunar eclipse, is a safe and easy experience, unlike a solar eclipse, which requires special protection.

To get the best view of the Blood Moon, find a dark location, away from city light pollution.

Also, choose a location with a clear line of sight, free from obstructions such as tall buildings or trees, for an optimal viewing experience.

While the naked eye is sufficient, using binoculars can enhance your experience by revealing the details of the Moon's surface and its color changes more clearly.

A telescope can also be used to view the Moon's features in higher resolution.

Don't forget to bring a camera, even a cell phone camera, to capture this rare Blood Moon moment.Some additional tips for optimal Blood Moon viewing include giving your eyes 10-15 minutes to adjust to the darkness.