2026 Blood Moon: First Total Lunar Eclipse Visible in Eastern Asia and Pacific

The first total lunar eclipse of 2026, known as the "Blood Moon," will be visible across much of the eastern Asia, the Pacific, and Oceania.

Observers in eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, large swathes of the Pacific, and the western regions of North and Central America will have the best views. Partial visibility is expected in parts of South America and central Asia, while Europe and Africa will see little to none of the event.

The eclipse occurs when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the full Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. As the Moon becomes fully immersed in the planet's darkest shadow, or umbra, it takes on a distinctive reddish hue. This colour arises because Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight, filtering out shorter blue wavelengths and allowing longer red and orange tones to reach the Moon.

Astronomy enthusiasts in visible regions should look to the sky during the event's peak, when the total phase will last for its duration in the early hours of the designated date in 2026. Local weather conditions will play a key role in observability.