02/12/2026
On March 3, 2026 (extending into early March 4 in some time zones), a stunning total lunar eclipse will delight skywatchers in northeastern Asia, northwestern North America, and the central Pacific. As Earth aligns between the Sun and the full "Worm Moon," our planet's shadow will fully engulf the Moon, creating a dramatic reddish "Blood Moon" during 58 minutes of totality, beginning at 11:04 UTC (6:04 a.m. EST).
Unfortunately, from my spot in southwest Florida, visibility will be quite limited. The penumbral phase begins at 3:44 a.m. EST, with partial eclipse underway by moonrise around 6:00 p.m. the previous evening—but the real show, totality, starts just after 6:04 a.m. EST on March 3, when the Moon will appear low on the horizon and turn red only briefly before moonset at approximately 6:19 a.m. EST. The eclipse's later phases will unfold below the horizon, so clear eastern skies and binoculars could help catch that fleeting "Blood Moon" glow at dawn. If you're traveling, head northwest for the full spectacle!
Here is southwest Florida we were able to see two full lunar eclipses in the past few years. This photo was taken of the full "Blood Moon" on May 15, 2022, at 11:40 PM. This photo was taken from Marco Island, Florida USA.
A complete composite of the 2022 Lunar Eclipse can be viewed at: https://slickpic.us/19981980U5NY