Best Places to See the March 3 Total Lunar Eclipse

Where to Watch the 2026 Blood Moon: Best Locations for the Total Lunar Eclipse

A total lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026 will transform the full ‘worm moon’ into a deep, coppery red ‘blood moon’ for nearly an hour. This celestial event will be visible across Western North America, Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia, marking the final total lunar eclipse the world will witness until New Year’s Eve 2028.

For millions of skywatchers, the 58-minute window offers a rare opportunity to see Earth’s shadow completely engulf the lunar surface without the need for specialized eye protection.

The Insider’s Guide to the 3 March Blood Moon

The eclipse is part of a cycle called Saros series 133, which has been occurring for hundreds of years. During this rare celestial event, the Moon will be present in the Leo constellation, creating a beautiful view for photographers and fans. 

According to EarthSky, "The moment of greatest eclipse takes place 6.5 days after the moon reaches perigee, its closest point from Earth for the month." This means the Moon will look slightly larger and brighter than usual.

Timing is very important for people in North America, and the view will be much better if you go further west. The West Coast will see the whole eclipse high in the sky. However, the Moon will set in the Eastern Time Zone while it is still dark. 

In parts of Southeast Asia, the eclipse will happen on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. This adds a special cultural meaning to the event. As Travel and Leisure Asia reports, major hubs like the Science Centre Singapore are already preparing "expert-hosted viewing sessions featuring 15 high-powered telescopes" to help the large crowds.

How Will the 3 March Total Lunar Eclipse Impact Local ‘Astrotourism’ and Travel Costs?

Dark-sky parks in Australia and the US are getting ready for many visitors. This ‘eclipse effect’ causes hotel prices to rise by 20% to 40% as many hotels will be fully booked months before the event. Local businesses in these quiet areas are the main stakeholders. They will see a huge spike in sales during this 24-hour window.

This news also affects the long-term ‘Dark Sky’ economy. Research from MDPI says that astrotourism serves as a "driver of social innovation." It helps small towns make money by protecting their night skies.

The 3 March eclipse reminds us of the incredible universe we live in. These rare events, like the ‘blood moon’, highlight the importance of protecting our night skies, as increasing light pollution and other factors can disrupt our natural ecosystem.