 | | Created for znamenski.spacecom@blogger.com | Web Version | | | |  Set your alarm — the total lunar eclipse of March 3 is almost here, and for many North American skywatchers it unfolds in the early hours before sunrise (weather permitting!) This week's headline event is a stunning blood moon, complete with timings, viewing tips and ways to watch online if clouds get in the way. We'll also explain why this is the last total lunar eclipse until New Year's Eve 2028.
But that's not all! Some observers may witness a rare atmospheric illusion called a selenelion, an 'impossible' moment when the rising sun and eclipsed moon appear in the sky at the same time. It sounds geometrically impossible but atmospheric refraction makes it briefly possible near the horizon.
Clear skies,
Daisy Dobrijevic
Reference Editor, Space.com | |  | | (Starry Night) | | With the moon nearing full, all six Apollo landing regions are illuminated. You can trace landing zones like Mare Tranquillitatis, where Apollo 11 touched down — though no Earth-based telescope can spot the hardware left behind. | | |  | | (Starry Night) | | The full moon occurs at 7:38 a.m. EST (1138 GMT), but the eclipse action starts earlier. For North America: - Penumbral eclipse begins: 3:44 a.m. EST (08:44 GMT)
- Partial eclipse begins: 4:50 a.m. EST (09:50 GMT)
- Totality: 6:04–7:04 a.m. EST (11:04–12:03 GMT)
- Maximum eclipse: 6:33 a.m. EST (11:33 GMT)
- Partial eclipse ends: 8:17 a.m. EST (13:17 GMT)
Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with unaided eyes, binoculars or a telescope.
| | |  | | (Starry Night) | | After twilight fades, look west for a faint triangular glow rising from the horizon. That's the zodiacal light — sunlight reflecting off dust in the plane of our solar system. To spot this elusive light, dark skies are essential. | | |  | | (Starry Night) | | Early risers can spot the waning gibbous moon near bright Spica in Virgo. They're close enough to share binocular views, with the moon appearing slightly closer for observers farther west. | | |  | | (Starry Night) | | Venus climbs higher after sunset while Saturn drifts sunward. On March 7 and 8, the two planets sit close enough to share a telescope field of view (but be very careful of the rising sun!). | | | | The full moon on March 3 is this month's standout lunar phase and it brings with it a total lunar eclipse for much of the Americas and the Pacific Rim.
March full moons are traditionally called the Worm Moon, Crow Moon or Sap Moon, marking a seasonal change as winter fades. This year it transforms into a blood moon as it passes through Earth's deepest shadow — the umbra. Want to explore more? Check out our ultimate guide to observing the moon for tips and tools to get the most out of each phase. | | | | Tonight's blood moon will be the last until New Year's Eve 2028-2029. So catch it if you can! | | | | The next lunar eclipse will be on March 3, 2026. | | | A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red for billions across North America, Australia and East Asia. | | | It'll be the last blood moon until New Year's Eve 2028. | | | After this 'blood moon,' our natural satellite will not fully disappear into Earth's shadow again for nearly three years — until a rare trifecta of total lunar eclipses in 2028–29 ends the drought. | | | A rare atmospheric effect called selenelion could briefly let skywatchers see the rising sun and a blood moon at the same time. | | | | The latest aurora forecast for tonight helps you make sure you're in the right place at the right time to see the northern lights. | | | | A U.K. astrophotographer had to put together some clever equipment tricks to show six of the seven planets in a rare 'parade' over the south of England. | | |  | | (VW Pics/Getty Images) | This week's total lunar eclipse takes place in the constellation Leo, making it the perfect time to spot this bold spring constellation. Look east after dusk for the backward question mark shape known as the Sickle. The bright star at its base is Regulus, the Lion's heart — and the star the moon meets during the eclipse. To the left, a small triangle forms Leo's hindquarters. Once you see the Sickle, you'll never miss the Lion again. | | | | Astronomy Kit and Accessories | | | Get a great view of the "blood moon" with these optics and level up your stargazing for the future. | | | Should you buy a named-brand camera lens or go third-party? | | | | Stay up-to-date on all things space science, news, and entertainment by subscribing to our newsletters. | |  | |  | Follow Night Sky This Week |  |  |  |  | | | | | Future US LLC © | | Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036. | | | | |
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