When and where to spot the total lunar eclipse on March 3rd

Tonight and into the morning of March 3rd, 2026, a total lunar eclipse with grace the night skies. For those lucky enough to be in the path of totality (and also not be eclipse-blocked by pesky cloud coverage), be sure to step outside of a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting the Earth’s shadow on the moon’s surface. Instead of going dark, like in a solar eclipse, the Moon will transform, taking on a stunning, coppery-red hue as sunlight filters through the Earth’s atmosphere and projecting the glow onto the Moon.

And the best part – the lunar eclipse will be visible for a full 58 minutes and, for Americans, (technically) visible in all 50 states! But, if you’re not based in the USA, can you still see the lunar eclipse? Thankfully, yes, assuming you’re on the correct side of the globe when the moon is visible as the Earth crosses the path.

Destinations with full views of the lunar eclipse:

• Western North America: Technically all 50 states might get a glimpse but California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Canada’s British Columbia will have the best views.

• Hawai’i and Pacific Islands: the Blood Moon lunar eclipse will be on FULL display all throughout the Pacific, Micronesia, and Oceania.

• Australia: If anyone gets a picture of a kangaroo silhouette against the Blood Moon, send it into Nat Geo IMMEDIATELY.

• New Zealand: I suppose a sheep would also suffice.

Visible in phases

• East Asia

• Parts of South America

Not visible

• Europe

• Middle East

• Africa

However, if you’re not on the side of the Earth that can see the moon at the exact 58 minutes of the eclipse, no worries! There will always be another lunar eclipse on the horizon, excuse the pun.