Rare Blood Moon to Grace Half of Australia in Spectacular Display
Australia is set to experience a remarkable celestial event: a rare blood moon. This astronomical spectacle will occur on March 2, 2026, and will not be repeated in the country for nearly three years. A total lunar eclipse, commonly known as a blood moon, will showcase the moon’s dramatic transformation into a reddish hue as it passes through Earth’s shadow.
Understanding the Blood Moon
A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth aligns between the sun and the moon. This alignment prevents sunlight from directly hitting the moon, resulting in its distinctive red color.
Viewing the Lunar Eclipse
The upcoming blood moon will be visible throughout Australia. However, only the eastern regions will enjoy a complete view of the eclipse from its onset to conclusion. Areas in central and western Australia may encounter limited visibility since the sun will still be above the horizon when the eclipse begins.
Optimal Locations and Timing
For the best viewing experience, seek out dark locations away from city bright lights where the horizon is unobstructed. The totality phase, when the moon glows red, is the highlight of the event. Below are the start and end times for the totality phase in major cities:
- Sydney: Starts at 10:04 PM, Ends at 11:02 PM
- Canberra: Starts at 10:04 PM, Ends at 11:02 PM
- Brisbane: Starts at 9:04 PM, Ends at 10:02 PM
- Melbourne: Starts at 10:04 PM, Ends at 11:02 PM
- Adelaide: Starts at 9:34 PM, Ends at 10:32 PM
- Hobart: Starts at 10:04 PM, Ends at 11:02 PM
- Darwin: Starts at 8:34 PM, Ends at 9:32 PM
- Perth: Starts at 7:04 PM, Ends at 8:02 PM
Looking Ahead
Once this blood moon passes, the next opportunity for Australians to witness a similar event will not come until January 1, 2029. While total lunar eclipses occur periodically, each presentation offers a unique and stunning visual treat for sky watchers.
Mark your calendars for March 2, 2026, to witness this exceptional phenomenon as half of Australia experiences the breathtaking sight of a blood moon.
