Last Total Lunar Eclipse Until 2028 to Occur on March 3
The last total lunar eclipse until 2028 will occur on March 3, 2026. This event will be visible from East Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and western North America. During this total lunar eclipse, the full moon, known as the “Worm Moon,” will pass through Earth’s shadow. For 58 captivating minutes, the moon will take on a reddish-copper hue, a phenomenon often referred to as the “blood moon.”
Understanding Lunar Eclipses
A lunar eclipse happens when the full moon moves through Earth’s shadow. This shadow has two key parts: the lighter outer penumbra and the darker central umbra. The sun, being larger than Earth, casts its light in ways that create these distinct shadow areas.
Types of Lunar Eclipses
- Total Lunar Eclipse: The entire moon passes through the umbra, resulting in no direct sunlight reaching its surface.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: Only a portion of the moon enters the umbra, causing part of it to appear shaded.
- Penumbral Lunar Eclipse: The moon only passes through the penumbra, slightly dimming its brightness.
Total lunar eclipses encompass all these phases, typically taking about five hours to complete. On March 3, 2026, the total phase will last precisely 58 minutes and 18 seconds.
What to Expect on March 3, 2026
This total lunar eclipse will be particularly striking, with an umbral magnitude of approximately 1.15. This means the moon will be mostly within Earth’s shadow but not deeply immersed, resulting in a lighter reddish color. As the full moon transforms against a darkened sky, stars will be prominently visible.
Future Lunar Eclipses
After March 3, 2026, a significant gap will occur during which no total lunar eclipses will take place for 34 months. While this period will still see some lunar activity, such as partial and penumbral eclipses, the next total lunar eclipse will occur on December 31, 2028. The reasons for this hiatus include the moon’s tilted orbit and the precise alignments required for totality.
Upcoming Lunar Events (2026-2028)
- August 28, 2026: Deep partial lunar eclipse (93% of the moon enters the umbra)
- February 20, 2027: Penumbral lunar eclipse
- July 18, 2027: Penumbral lunar eclipse
- August 17, 2027: Penumbral lunar eclipse
- January 12, 2028: Shallow partial lunar eclipse
- July 6, 2028: Partial lunar eclipse (39% of the moon enters the umbra)
The Return of Total Lunar Eclipses
The drought of total lunar eclipses will conclude at the end of 2028. This period will mark a series of three total lunar eclipses within a year:
- December 31, 2028: Total lunar eclipse (totality visible in Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and Alaska)
- June 26, 2029: Total lunar eclipse (totality visible in the Americas, western Europe, and Africa)
- December 20, 2029: Total lunar eclipse (totality visible in North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia)
Total lunar eclipses are fascinating celestial occurrences. While they are not highly frequent, they do capture the interest of skywatchers worldwide. Be sure to mark your calendar for the last total lunar eclipse until 2028 and enjoy this marvelous display of nature.
