above March 3, 2026the total lunar eclipse will be visible on the night side of the Earth, with the best views from Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the western half of North America. A total lunar eclipse occurs when month It is nicknamed the “Blood Moon” because it drifts in Earth’s shadow and the only light that reaches its surface is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere, turning it a reddish color.
A global event occurring simultaneously around the world, the epicenter is in the Pacific Ocean, and the solar eclipse will occur overhead in the early morning hours of March 3, around midnight. It occurs late on March 3rd in the West (Australia) and early on March 3rd in the East (North America).
You don’t need dark skies to see a total lunar eclipse, but it helps. The event begins like a full moon that whitens the night sky, obscuring all but the brightest stars. However, by the time totality begins, the night sky will be much darker and you will be able to see not only the stars but also faint star clusters and the Milky Way. You may experience it just as there is a new moon. Therefore, while using light pollution map or dark sky place finder Although not strictly necessary, it adds an extra dimension to the experience.
The best place to view a solar eclipse is one with clear skies. Although you can only rely on weather forecasts for about three days, you can improve your chances by looking at historical climate data for your potential location and looking at average cloud cover. That’s what we did here. Eclipsophile.com The company, which specializes in global cloud cover data for solar and lunar eclipses, selects locations with the best chance of clear skies, which may be difficult in March. All time and cloud statistics are obtained from: time and date.
Here are 10 spectacular viewing locations for this rare celestial event, which will never be repeated anywhere on Earth until New Year’s Eve 2028-2029.
1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Total time: March 3, 2026 from 04:04 to 05:02 MST.
Possibility of clouds: 63% (Past average)
Grand Canyon National Park is international dark sky park Since lighting fixtures at Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim were replaced in 2015 to reduce light pollution. Best places to stargaze on the South Rim include the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (the most convenient), Mather Point, Hermit’s Rest, and the many loopholes along the flat rim trail.
2. Horsetooth Mountain, Colorado, USA
Total time: March 3, 2026 from 4:04 AM to 5:02 AM MST.
Possibility of clouds: 60% (Past average)
This public astronomical observation event horsetooth mountain open spaceSponsored by the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society, announced Presented by NASA, it will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 a.m. MST.
3. Alkarula Nature Reserve
Total time: March 3, 2026 21:34 – 22:32 ACDT.
Possibility of clouds: twenty four% (Past average)
The Flinders Ranges and remote outback areas of South Australia have been protected since 2012. sanctuary Both to wildlife and darkness. There is also a lodge, astronomy experience.
4. Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park, Australia
Total time: 3 March 2026 22:04 – 23:02 AEDT.
Possibility of clouds: 45% (Past average)
Australia offers great views of this total lunar eclipse, but observers will have even greater opportunities if they head inland. A good choice is Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park Near Coonabarabran (aka “Australia’s Astronomy Capital”) in mid-west New South Wales, Australia’s first and only dark sky park. Australia’s famous Siding Spring Observatory is located here. warranbungle observatory Located in Coonabarabran.
5. Saguaro National Park, Arizona, USA
Tucson itself doesn’t do very well on the light pollution map, but it’s surrounded by great stargazing opportunities ( Tucson Astro Trail map), and world-class observatories at Kitt Peak, Mount Graham, and Mount Lemmon. Just east of the city, in the Sonoran Desert, saguaro national park9th in the world Urban Night Sky Place. The park is open 24 hours.
6. Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, New Zealand
Total time: March 4, 2026, 00:04 – 01:02 NZDT.
Possibility of clouds: 64% (Past average)
Outdoor lighting is restricted in the Wairarapa Valley on New Zealand’s North Island due to a total moon occurring after midnight. most dark sky reserve Easy access for night sky viewing.
7. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA
Total time: March 3, 2026 from 3:04 a.m. to 4:02 a.m. PST.
Possibility of clouds: 40% (Past average)
California’s largest state park Anza-Borrego Desert State Park In the Colorado desert, dark sky park Since 2018, Borrego Dark sky community.
8. Big Island, Hawaii, USA
Total time: March 3, 2026 from 01:04 to 02:02 HST.
Possibility of clouds: 37% (Past average)
From Hawaii, the eclipse will be overhead, giving you a great view from anywhere. If you want dark skies, one of the best places on Hawaii Island is Mauna Kea (a much-visited destination). Stargazing tour) or on the dark south or northeast coast.
9. Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
Total time: March 3, 2026 from 3:04 a.m. to 4:02 a.m. PST.
Possibility of clouds: 43% (Past average)
There was, but recent wildfires and some Concerns about astrophotography workshopsA solo trip to one of California’s most famous stargazing destinations is still possible with enough planning. Please make camping reservations in advance recreation.gov.
10. Death Valley National Park, Nevada, USA
Total time: March 3, 2026 from 3:04 a.m. to 4:02 a.m. PST.
Possibility of clouds: 47% (Past average)
There was no closing time and the sky was surprisingly dark. death valley national park For great views of a total lunar eclipse, it’s worth considering. Astrophotographers will love Zabriskie Point, Mesquite Flat Dunes, or Harmony Borax Works.