For those who love looking at the sky, there’s something exciting here. On March 3, 2026, the Moon will be completely in Earth’s shadow, resulting in a total lunar eclipse. During this time, the moon appears bright red, so people call it the “blood moon.”Just imagining the moon shining like that when you look up will be an unforgettable sight.The best places to see it are Australia, the Pacific region, and western North America. Even if you are in India, you can watch it live online or through an astronomy app. And the best part is that it’s completely safe to watch. You don’t need special glasses like solar eclipse glasses.
Why the moon turns red
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth is between the sun and the moon. This prevents sunlight from reaching the moon directly. The only light that passes through is through the Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere bends and filters this light, giving the moon a reddish-orange glow. That’s why people call it a blood moon.
How to choose the best viewing spot
Experts look at historical maps of cloud cover and light pollution to choose locations with the clearest skies. Advance weather forecasts are not very reliable, so historical averages from early March are used to find spots where skies are usually clear.According to Space(dot)com, this information comes from sources such as Eclipsophile(dot)com and Time and Date, which provide historical cloud cover and blue sky data. Space(dot)com used this data to create a list of locations around the world where you can clearly see the Blood Moon.
Top 5 spots in the world
Although these are outside India, they are considered the best places to view the full blood moon.
grand canyon national park, usa
Closing hours: 4:04 a.m. to 5:02 a.m. (MST)Average cloud cover: 63%The views from Mather Point, Hermit’s Rest, and the Rim Trail are open and perfect for watching the moon turn red.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, USA
Closing hours: 4:04 a.m. to 5:02 a.m. (MST)Average cloud cover: 60%The stargazing event, which is open to the public, will be held from 3:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. MST. It is organized by the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society and promoted by NASA.
Alkaroola Nature Reserve, Australia
Total: 9:34pm – 10:32pm ACDTAverage cloud cover: 24%It’s a secluded and quiet place, the sky is dark and there are almost no clouds. It’s perfect for viewing the bright red moon.
waran bangle dark sky park ,Australia
Total: 10:04pm – 11:02pm AEDTAverage cloud cover: 45%Australia’s first dark sky park. There is Siding Spring Observatory. Its inland location means clear skies and unforgettable views.
Saguaro National Park, USA
Located in the Sonoran Desert east of TucsonIt is recognized as the 9th Urban Night Sky Place in the world. Nearby observatories such as Kitt Peak, Mount Graham, and Mount Lemmon are popular destinations for stargazers.
Tips for watching from India
India may not see a full solar eclipse on the moon, but you can follow a live stream or use an astronomy app to track it. Check the weather a few days before your event to make sure the skies are clear. No glasses required. Binoculars allow you to see the moon in more detail.According to Space(.com), this total lunar eclipse is so rare that it will not occur again anywhere on Earth until New Year’s Eve in 2028-2029. Find a good spot, get comfortable, and enjoy one of the most beautiful sky events of the decade.Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)