First lunar eclipse of 2026

[LazyHippo]

The first lunar eclipse of the year on March 3rd will offer a rare scenario: the rising sun and the eclipsed moon in the sky at the same time.

The moon passes through the southern part of the Earth's shadow, with totality beginning at 3:03 a.m. PST and lasting 59 minutes. Across the eastern half of the United States and Canada, there will be a chance to observe an unusual effect, one that celestial geometry seems to dictate can't happen. The little-used name for this effect is a "selenelion" (or "selenehelion") and occurs when both the sun and the eclipsed moon can be seen at the same time.

 

 

Map of visualization for the Total Lunar eclipse on March 3rd, 2026 (Image credit: Theskylive.com)

 

 

Views of the total phase of this eclipse favor locations near and around the Pacific Ocean. For North America, places within the Eastern Time Zone will see the moon set during dawn's early light during the total phase; places farther west will be able to catch the moon emerging from the Earth's shadow as it sets, while for sites out in the Far West, the eclipse will be visible from start to finish. Hawaiians will see the moon almost overhead as totality takes place in the hours after midnight. Meanwhile, during local evening hours, Central Asia and western Australia will see the moon rise as it emerges from the Earth's dark shadow. Eastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, as well as much of Japan and eastern Siberia, will see it all during convenient evening hours.

[BENDER*]

yeah I was watching at work most the night, pretty cool, I live in Arizona.

[RedBaird]

I finally acted upon the mobile/cell timer that I had set for 0300 PST a half-hour later and did see that strange color!  😮 

 

Northern California, USA.

 

 

 

 

Edited March 4 by RedBaird
+ location

[LazyHippo]

I have missed it but one of my coworkers was up 6am to see a "blood moon" lunar eclipse as watched in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.