Tonight, the full moon will slide into Earth’s darkest shadow during a total lunar eclipse, creating a stunning ‘blood moon’. This will take place in the early hours of March 3rd for US skywatchers, so be sure to set your alarm!
Lunar eclipses are completely safe to see with the naked eye; no filters or special glasses are needed (unlike solar eclipses). All you have to do is make sure to find the moon at the right time, sit back, relax and enjoy the remarkable show.
Where to look
The total lunar eclipse tonight will be visible to skywatchers across North America, Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia, weather permitting. Over 40% of the world’s population will be able to see at least some of the blood moon phase, according to Time and date.
Related: Where to see the total lunar eclipse in the early hours of March 3
The best views of the lunar eclipse will be from the western half of North America, Australia and the Pacific Ocean. US skywatchers in eastern time zones will be able to catch the blood moon just before it sets below the western horizon, but will not be able to see the full moon.
When to see
The best time to view the total lunar eclipse will be at 06:33 EST (1133 GMT) on March 3 during the peak of totality when the Moon sits in the deepest part of the Earth’s shadow.
But if you have the time, it’s worth getting comfortable and watching the entire eclipse, at least from the partial eclipse phase that begins around 4:50 a.m. EST (0950 GMT), when you’ll be able to see Earth’s shadow gradually take bigger and bigger chunks out of the moon. It will feel like you are watching the monthly phases of the moon increase to just a few hours. Then, at 6:04 a.m. EST (1104 GMT), the moon will turn blood red as it enters its total phase, which will last 58 minutes according to time and date.
Read more: When is the Blood Moon Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3rd?
Top viewing tips for tonight
- Fight the clouds: Be sure to check your local weather forecast and have a backup location nearby if you need to change plans.
- Take your time: The drama of a total lunar eclipse is slowly building. Plan to see it before, during and after totality to truly appreciate the spectacle.
- Low horizon? Over the eastern United States, the moon will set in its total phase. Choose an observation spot with an unobstructed view of the western horizon.
Editor’s note: If you take a picture of the total lunar eclipse and want to share it with us, please email it to spacephotos@space.com along with any comments.
