Want to catch a glimpse of a lunar eclipse? In Washington state you have to stay up late.
In early March, skywatchers across North America will be able to see a total lunar eclipse in the night sky.
This will be the first opportunity for Washington stargazers in 2026 to capture this rare natural phenomenon.
Here’s what you need to know about the lunar eclipse and how to watch it:
When can the total lunar eclipse be seen in Washington state?
A total lunar eclipse will be visible in Washington state and other parts of North America on Tuesday, March 3, according to NASA.
This eclipse will coincide with the third full moon of 2026.
The full moon in March is known as the Worm Moon because earthworms begin to appear in North America at this time of year.
Washington state will begin to see partial views of the eclipse around 1:50 a.m. on March 3, according to online clock times and dates. Full view begins after 3 a.m., partial view lasts until 5:17 a.m.
The last total lunar eclipse visible in the state occurred in March 2025.
Blood Moon full lunar eclipse in the mountains of Thailand on January 31, 2018
(Aum Photography/Getty)
What causes a total lunar eclipse?
“A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a huge shadow on the lunar surface and turning the moon a deep reddish-orange color,” NASA said.
According to the space agency, this alignment is only possible during a full moon.
What is a blood moon?
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon appears to change color because the Earth blocks most of the sun’s light from reaching the moon.
According to NASA, light reaching the moon is filtered by the Earth’s atmosphere.
“It’s as if all the sunrises and sunsets in the world were projected onto the moon,” NASA said.
The reddish hue gave the moon its nickname: “Blood Moon.”
Do you need a telescope to view a lunar eclipse?
According to NASA, you don’t need any tools or glasses to view the lunar eclipse.
Binoculars or a telescope can enhance your viewing experience but are not required.
For the best experience, leave the city during the eclipse viewing period. The less light pollution around you, the better your view will be.
Check out the light pollution map online to find the best place to watch the blood moon.
