Rare Blood Moon Phenomenon: Your Ultimate Guide to Viewing This Celestial Event

Next week, skywatchers in Australia will have the opportunity to witness a celestial spectacle, although only half the country will enjoy the view in its full splendor.

Here’s a guide on when and where to catch this phenomenon, as well as tips on how to make the most of the experience.

The term ‘blood moon’ refers to a total lunar eclipse, a captivating event where the moon takes on a reddish hue. This occurs when the Earth positions itself between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that transforms the usually bright lunar surface into a striking red.

The last time Australians had a chance to see a blood moon was on September 8, 2025. For those eager to catch the next one, here’s what you need to know.

The name is a nod to the reddish colour the moon turns when Earth passes between it and the sun, blocking the sunlight that usually illuminates it in shades of white.

The last blood moon that was visible from Australia occurred just a few months ago on September 8, 2025.

This one will fall over the evening of Monday March 2 and into the early morning of Tuesday March 3.

After that, we won’t see another blood moon until the early hours of January 1, 2029.

Though total lunar eclipses are not considered especially rare, they are dramatic to witness.

They can also last quite a while, with the red ‘totality’ phase typically lasting anywhere from half an hour to nearly two hours.

The 2026 blood moon should spend about an hour in its totality phase.

Can the lunar eclipse be seen in Australia?

The 2026 blood moon will be visible from all of Australia, though only the east coast will witness the full eclipse from beginning to end.

Parts of central Australia and the west coast may experience reduced visibility as the sun will not have fully set when the eclipse starts.

Later phases of the eclipse will still be visible once the sun goes down in those areas.

When is the Lunar Eclipse in Australia?

The best place to witness the blood moon will be in a dark area with an uninterrupted view of the horizon, preferably away from city lights.

The best time to see it will be during the totality phase, when the moon turns a dramatic shade of red.

Here are the start and end times of the totality phase in each capital city:

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