Wwlp viewers warned: Blood moon total lunar eclipse peaks early on March 3
Skywatchers, including those following local wwlp coverage, should set alarms for the early hours of March 3: a total lunar eclipse will turn the full moon blood red, with the peak of totality arriving at 6: 33 a. m. EST (1133 GMT).
Wwlp: When to watch in Eastern time and Arizona
The eclipse unfolds over several hours for U. S. observers, beginning with the partial phase and moving into totality. In Eastern time zones, the moon begins showing a noticeable bite during the partial eclipse around 4: 50 a. m. EST (0950 GMT), and by 6: 04 a. m. EST (1104 GMT) the moon will enter totality and turn blood red; totality reaches its maximum at 6: 33 a. m. EST (1133 GMT) and lasts about 58 minutes.
Arizona viewers have an earlier timeline; local watch windows for the state are:
- 1: 44 a. m. — penumbral eclipse starts
- 2: 50 a. m. — partial eclipse starts
- 4: 04 a. m. — total eclipse starts
- 4: 33 a. m. — maximum eclipse
- 5: 02 a. m. — total eclipse ends
- 6: 17 a. m. — partial eclipse ends; moon sets at 6: 53 a. m.
Where the best views will be and who can see it
Observers across North America, Australia, New Zealand and eastern Asia will be able to see at least part of the eclipse, weather permitting; over 40% of the world's population will be able to view some phase. The best views are expected from the western half of North America, Australia and locations over the Pacific, while eastern U. S. time zones will see the blood moon low on the western horizon and may miss portions of totality as the moon sets.
What comes after and how long until the next one
This blood moon is the last total lunar eclipse visible now until New Year's Eve 2028-2029, making the March 3 event a notable chance for many skywatchers. For viewers in the continental United States, the next blood moon visible from the lower 48 will not occur until 2029. Free livestreams are being offered for those unable to view the night sky in person, and photographers have already captured dramatic images in places where skies cleared.
Observers planning to watch should find a clear, cloudless view of the sky and note the specific local times above: the eclipse will move from partial to total phases in a matter of hours on March 3, with totality centered on the 6: 33 a. m. EST (1133 GMT) peak. Local recovery of observations and the next confirmed lunar milestone are set by the calendars noted above.
