The first total lunar eclipse of the year is coming, but in Michigan, your chances of seeing it will depend on the weather.
The “blood moon” solar eclipse occurs during March’s full moon, early Tuesday morning, March 3. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the peak of the full moon and the total solar eclipse will coincide at 6:38 a.m.
If skies are clear, the Worm Moon will be visible during part of the eclipse in Michigan, and the moon will be visible to local viewers during totality.
However, the National Weather Service is predicting cloudy skies for much of Michigan Monday night. On March 3, some areas will see partially or mostly clear skies, so the clouds may clear in time to see the Blood Moon Eclipse.
Here’s what you need to know about the blood moon:
When is the total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3 during the Worm Moon, the March full moon. The lunar eclipse will reach totality, and the full moon will peak at 6:38 a.m. on March 3.
The blood moon phase of the lunar eclipse will last from 6:04 to 7:02 am on March 3. The moon will set during a total eclipse in the Eastern Time Zone.
Will Michigan see the lunar eclipse?
According to Space.com, the total lunar eclipse is expected to be visible in North America, including Michigan, and the best viewing locations are expected to be in western North America as well as Australia, New Zealand and East Asia.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
NASA says a total lunar eclipse is when the Sun, Earth and Moon align so the Moon is covered by the Earth’s shadow, or umbral shadow.
Why does the moon look red?
During a total lunar eclipse, you can expect the moon to take on a dramatic shade of red or orange in the night sky, earning it the nickname “blood moon.” NASA says this is because of how sunlight hits the moon’s surface after passing through the atmosphere.
The full moon, also known as the “blood moon,” occurred on March 14, 2025, during a lunar eclipse in Mexico City. Stargazers around the world marveled at the dramatic red “blood moon” during a rare total lunar eclipse in the early hours of March 14.
NASA explains that because the moon is covered by the inner part of Earth’s shadow during a lunar eclipse, sunlight not blocked by Earth passes through the thick Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the moon’s surface.
Colors with shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet, scatter more easily than colors with longer wavelengths, including red and orange.
Where is the best place to view the solar eclipse in Michigan?
Weather permitting, head to a bright, dark area for the best viewing of the eclipse. Michigan is home to six Dark Sky State Parks, three International Dark Sky Parks, and one International Dark Sky Reserve.
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Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. TK Lawless Park in Cass County are international attractions. Finally, Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area is an internationally protected area.
When are the remaining solar eclipses in 2026?
According to Timeanddate.com, a total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, but the total solar eclipse will not be visible in Michigan.
A partial lunar eclipse will occur on August 28, 2026, and will be visible from Michigan, weather permitting.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: A total lunar eclipse is coming. Will Michigan see it?
