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Another month, another full moon – but March's ‘blood moon’ is anything but ordinary. Also known as a total lunar eclipse, this rare celestial event will paint Australian skies in an eerie reddish glow for 58 mystical minutes on the evening of Tuesday, March 3.
This total lunar eclipse is a big deal: not only is it the first of the year, but it's also the last one visible from everywhere on Earth until 2028. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the blood moon in Australia this March.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon are aligned perfectly in space during a full moon (this doesn’t happen every month because it depends on the moon’s orbital tilt). When Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, it blocks all direct sunlight, resulting in the moon taking on an eerie reddish glow. That haunting hue is what’s earned it the name ‘blood moon’.
When is the total lunar eclipse in Australia?
The total lunar eclipse – or blood moon – will take place on the night of Tuesday, March 3. It will be visible in every state and territory in Australia, although the highly anticipated phase of totality (lasting 58 minutes) will occur at slightly different times depending on time zones.
Here’s when full totality will start and end in Australia’s capital cities:
- Adelaide – 9.34pm to 10.32pm (peaks at 10.03pm)
- Brisbane – 9.04pm to 10.02pm (peaks at 9.33pm)
- Canberra – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)
- Darwin – 8.34pm to 9.32pm (peaks at 9.03pm)
- Hobart – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)
- Melbourne – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)
- Perth – 7.04pm to 8.02pm (peaks at 7.33pm)
- Sydney – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm)
You can find exact details of when the total lunar eclipse will be visible in your city on TimeAndDate.com.
How to see the total lunar eclipse in Australia?
Unlike other celestial events, total lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. You won’t need any special gear, but binoculars or telescopes will enhance your view.
For the clearest view of the blood moon, head to a high vantage point with an unobstructed view of the horizon. Ideally, this should also be a dark place away from artificial light, allowing you to witness the full crimson glow. If you're keen to see the blood moon in all its glory, these are the best stargazing spots in Australia.
When is the next lunar eclipse in Australia?
If you miss this eclipse, you'll be waiting a while for the next one. After March 2026, the next total lunar eclipse won't happen until July 22, 2028. It will be fully visible in NSW, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, while the ACT, Tasmania and Victoria will experience a partial eclipse.