Total lunar eclipse featuring ‘blood moon’ to appear in CA night sky. When?
Stargazers can soon spot a strange sight in the California night sky — a total lunar eclipse with a blood-red moon.
At the beginning of the month, the moon will turn a “dark red or orange” as the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, according to NASA.
Here’s what to know about the rare event:
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse happens when the sun, moon and Earth are aligned in such a way that the moon crosses into Earth’s shadow, according to NASA.
In 2026, the lunar eclipse will be visible across North and Central America as well as eastern Asia and Australia on Tuesday, March 3, the federal space agency said.
Central Asia and most of South America will see a partial lunar eclipse on Tuesday, according to NASA.
What will the moon look like during lunar eclipse?
Once the eclipse starts, the full moon will begin to dim and take on a reddish hue. It will eventually look like a chunk has been taken out from one side, NASA said.
When the moon is in the shadow, or the umbra, of the Earth, our planet casts an orange-reddish shadow.
That crimson hue is the reason we call it a “blood moon,” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
“The light that does reach the lunar surface is filtered through a thick slice of Earth’s atmosphere,” NASA said. “It’s as if all of the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon.”
As the total lunar eclipse ends, the process plays out in reverse.
The moon’s tangerine coloring begins to fade, and the dark part condenses until the moon’s appearance returns to its usual shape, according to NASA.
How to see total lunar eclipse in California
The total lunar eclipse will occur at the same time as the third full moon of 2026.
According to NASA, the eclipse will be visible across North America amid the early hours of Tuesday, March 3.
California will start to see a partial view of the eclipse at 12:44 a.m. The total lunar eclipse will reach its peak at 3:33 a.m. and end at 6:23 a.m., according to online calendar Time and Date.
The last total lunar eclipse to appear over the state was in March 2025.
What’s the best way to watch the blood moon?
The total lunar eclipse will be visible under clear skies across the United States.
Binoculars or a telescope can sharpen your view, but no special equipment is necessary to enjoy the spectacle, according to NASA.
“For a more dramatic observing experience, seek a dark environment away from bright lights,” NASA said.
This story was originally published March 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Total lunar eclipse featuring ‘blood moon’ to appear in CA night sky. When?."
