Blood Moon: How to See the March 2026 Lunar Eclipse

Those who enjoy astronomy have a new event to follow: the first lunar eclipse of 2026 will take place in early March and will be visible in various parts of the world, although Brazil will only see the end of the phenomenon. We've gathered the best options to watch the blood moon in high quality and not miss any phase; check them out now.

What is the Blood Moon?

A Blood Moon is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs during a total lunar eclipse. In this event, planet Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the direct sunlight that would normally illuminate the Moon. However, instead of disappearing completely in the sky, the Moon takes on a reddish hue.

This red tone occurs because sunlight, when passing through the Earth's atmosphere, undergoes an effect called dispersion of RayleighThe same phenomenon that makes the sky blue during the day. During an eclipse, the shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered, while the longer ones (red and orange) are refracted by the atmosphere and projected onto the Moon. The three phases occur precisely as the Moon crosses these different shadow zones:

• Penumbral Phase: The Moon enters only the outer, brightest shadow of the Earth. The lunar brightness diminishes very subtly, making this phase almost imperceptible to the naked eye.
• Partial Phase: The Moon begins to enter the Earth's central and darkest shadow (the umbra). At this moment, it is possible to see a dark patch covering the lunar surface, as if it had been "bitten".
• Total Phase: The entire Moon is covered by the umbra. Instead of disappearing into the sky, it takes on a reddish or orange hue (the "Blood Moon"). This happens because the Earth's atmosphere filters sunlight and projects reddish colors onto the Moon's surface.

The name comes from this reddish hue and has been surrounded by myths and symbolism throughout history, often being associated with omens or mystical events. March 2025 lunar eclipse will cover 100% of the Moon and can be categorized as total.

It will be possible to see the phenomenon in various parts of Brazil and the world, but remember: the place you go to must be free of visual pollution. super moon It is the moment when the satellite is in its Full phase and can be seen in a larger size than we are used to.

How to watch online

Astronomy websites and channels will broadcast live with high-quality cameras so that even if you are not in a location with good visibility, watch the eclipse, you can still see the red moon in full clarity. See the options for how to see the eclipse below.

Starting with the channel's live broadcast Griffith Observatory, it will be possible to follow the eclipse live from 05:37 on March 03, Brasília time. Just access the broadcast below or return to this page at the correct day and time:

Known for its broadcasts of astronomy events, the channel The Virtual Telescope Project We will also be broadcasting the 2026 lunar eclipse in the early morning of the 03rd, starting at 05:30 AM Brasília time. Just tune in to the broadcast below:

Until the end of this article, the NASA had not yet commented on a possible live broadcast on his channel on YouTubeWe will update here with this information if it is confirmed.

Lunar eclipse time in Brazil

The eclipse will be visible in its entirety, passing through all phases (penumbral, partial, and total), allowing for the observation of the famous "Blood Moon." This complete spectacle will primarily be visible in the Pacific Ocean region, eastern Asia (such as Japan and China), Australia, New Zealand, and the western portion of North America, including Canada and the United States.

In Brazil, viewing conditions will be quite limited, as the phenomenon will occur at dawn, coinciding exactly with the moment when the Moon is setting on the western horizon. Due to this unfavorable timing, the total phase will not be visible anywhere in the country.

Still, the experience will vary depending on the location within the country. Residents of North and Midwest They will be able to follow the beginning of the partial phase, observing the Earth's shadow covering a portion of the Moon shortly before it disappears below the horizon. Conversely, for those who are in Sul, Southeast e NortheastThe event will be only penumbral, resulting in a darkening so subtle that it will be practically imperceptible to the naked eye. See the table with the times of the blood moon:

And you, how will you follow the lunar eclipseAstronomy enthusiasts often get together with friends to watch the event outdoors. So, here's a tip for an outing for you and your friends. In the meantime, tell us what you think! CommentHow many lunar eclipses have you seen in your entire life?

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With some info: Time and date l The Virtual Telescope Project