Blood Moon 2026: Total Lunar Eclipse Visible in Indonesia on March 3rd
- JAKARTA – A total lunar eclipse, often called a Blood Moon, will be visible from Indonesia on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
- According to Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the total lunar eclipse can be observed with the naked eye or using a smartphone camera.
- A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with the Moon passing into the Earth’s umbra – the darkest part of its shadow.
JAKARTA – A total lunar eclipse, often called a Blood Moon, will be visible from Indonesia on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This celestial event coincides with the 1447th Hijri Ramadan. While the entire eclipse won’t be visible, observers in Indonesia will be able to witness the latter stages of the event.
According to Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the total lunar eclipse can be observed with the naked eye or using a smartphone camera. However, due to the moon’s rising time, Indonesian observers will primarily see the final phases of the eclipse, as the full moon will appear after the total eclipse phase has already begun.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with the Moon passing into the Earth’s umbra – the darkest part of its shadow. This alignment blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon, causing it to appear a reddish or dark orange hue, hence the name “Blood Moon.” NASA explains that this phenomenon is a result of the Earth scattering sunlight, with longer wavelengths (red and orange) being refracted towards the Moon.
NASA indicates that the March 3, 2026, total lunar eclipse will be particularly well-viewed across East Asia and Australia, lasting throughout the night in those regions. Specifically, the eclipse will be visible across the Pacific Ocean, North America, Central America, and the western portion of South America.
Central Asia and most of South America will only experience a partial eclipse, while Africa and Europe will not be able to observe the event at all.
In Indonesia, this particular total lunar eclipse is being referred to as a “Moonrise Eclipse” because the Moon will rise while already in the midst of the eclipse phase. This presents a unique viewing opportunity, albeit one where the initial stages of the eclipse will not be visible.
Here’s a breakdown of the eclipse phases as they will occur in Indonesia, according to local time zones:
- Partial Eclipse Begins: (Western Indonesian Time), (Central Indonesian Time), or (Eastern Indonesian Time)
The timing of the maximum eclipse and the end of the totality phase varies depending on the specific location within Indonesia. For example, in Jakarta, the maximum eclipse is expected at , with the total eclipse ending at . The partial eclipse will conclude at , and the penumbral eclipse will end at .
The eclipse will also be visible in Bali, with the start of totality occurring at and ending at . Bangka-Belitung will see the start of totality at , ending at .
Observers in Jakarta are advised to have a clear view towards the east to best observe the eclipse, particularly during the maximum phase when the Moon will be close to the horizon. The combination of a low moon and the dimming effect of the total eclipse phase will make viewing challenging until the Moon rises higher in the sky or the totality phase ends.
This total lunar eclipse is the only one scheduled for 2026, making it a noteworthy astronomical event. The next total lunar eclipse isn’t expected until 2028, further emphasizing the significance of this upcoming observation opportunity. Skywatchers are encouraged to check local visibility maps and timings to ensure optimal viewing conditions.