This March, we’ll get a chance to witness a total lunar eclipse and a Blood Moon in Atlanta, for the first time since last year.

The total lunar eclipse will begin in the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 and will conclude around 7 a.m. The maximum eclipse will occur around 6:30 a.m.

Keep your fingers crossed for clear conditions that will let us enjoy stargazing on the night of the total lunar eclipse in Atlanta!

We’ve got tips for viewing the lunar eclipse on your own, as well as some info on eclipse watch events and links to live-streams of the eclipse — just scroll down for those.

This is your last chance to view a total lunar eclipse in Atlanta until June 25-26, 2029!

But first, some background info:

♣ A blood moon refers to a phenomenon by which the moon appears reddish or coppery in color. The red color is caused by the way the light waves scatter, and how the human eye perceives it. It’s the same effect that gives sunrise and sunset a reddish glow. The shade of red varies by the amount of dust and clouds in the atmosphere at the time. 

♣ A total lunar eclipse happens at full moon when the earth, moon, and sun line up exactly, so the earth blocks light from the sun. The moon appears darkened as it passes through the shadow of the earth.

And by the way, the March full moon is also known as the “Worm Moon.” So technically this is a Worm Blood Moon that’s involved in the lunar eclipse.

It takes place during the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The lunar eclipse happens in phases and takes awhile to reach totality, so this celestial event happens over several hours.

The totality phase itself lasts only about 60 minutes, and this is when the moon takes on the eerie blood red color. If you’re going to set an alarm to watch just part of the eclipse, this is the part you want to aim for.

Here’s what you can expect, and when, as noted by TimeAndDate.com:

• 4:50 a.m. — partial eclipse begins (the moon enters Earth’s shadow and begins to darken)

• 6:04 a.m. — total eclipse begins (entire moon is in shadow and begins to turn red)

• 6:33 a.m. — MAXIMUM ECLIPSE (full blood-red color peaks, then begins to reverse)

• 7:02 a.m. — total eclipse ends (the moon exits the Earth’s shadow)

• 7:05 a.m. — the moon sets, and slips below the horizon

How can I see the lunar eclipse in Atlanta?

It is super simple — just go outside, look up, and take it all in. Unlike with a solar eclipse, you don’t need special equipment or eye protection. There’s no danger in looking right at the eclipse.

The best viewing conditions are clear skies, but the eclipse is long enough that you’ll be able to see some of it even if it’s partially cloudy.

Unfortunately, you’ll need a clear view of the horizon for the March lunar eclipse — the moon will be low enough in the sky that you’ll need a spot away from trees, where you can see the horizon. According to TimeAndDate.com, the moon will be 5.9 degrees above the horizon during maximum eclipse. (For reference, 90 degrees would be directly overhead.)

It never hurts to scout for a viewing spot ahead of time. You’ll want to find a good view to the southwest. The eclipse begins with the moon in the southwest sky and ends nearly due west. The compass app on your mobile phone is a great tool to help you choose a spot.

You may want to move away from bright city lights. The darker it is where you are, the more dramatic your view. That said, it’s very likely you can watch from your own yard.

If you happen to have good binoculars, or even a small telescope, definitely use them. It would be fun to get a closer look at the moon and the lunar eclipse.

Lunar eclipse viewing events

Don’t want to go it alone? Check out one of these lunar eclipse events, happening at science centers, parks, and observatories.
NOTE that the observatory at Hard Labor Creek State Park, Fernabank Science Center, and Tellus Science Museum ARE NOT hosting watch parties for this eclipse — probably due to lack of a clear view of the horizon this time around.

Arabia Mountain

Ranger Jonah and Ranger Robby are hosting a Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party at Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, located at:
3787 Klondike Road
Stonecrest, GA 30038

The event goes from 5 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on March 3, 2026.
It is FREE and open to the public.
NOTE that this event involves a guided hike to the top of the mountain and back. It’s described as about a 2-mile walk, with elevation.
Details and reserve a spot here

Lunar eclipse live streams

Watch the eclipse from the comfort of your own bed!

TimeAndDate.com
Watch from their website or from their YouTube channel.

Griffith Observatory
The famed Los Angeles observatory will begin its live stream at 11 p.m. and continue to 6 a.m. (this is Eastern Standard Time). Probably no one needs to watch seven hours of this, so just tune in to the Griffith YouTube channel according to the schedule above to see the part you want. You can also watch live on their website.

Space.com
Keep up with all the details on their lunar eclipse live blog. There will also be a live stream of the eclipse on Space.com. More details on how to watch online will be released closer to the event.

More upcoming events: