Australians prepare for a total lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026. This event covers the entire nation from east to west. The moon enters the shadow of the Earth during the evening hours. Observers across all states can view this transition with the naked eye. This marks the first total lunar eclipse of the year.
The phenomenon starts as a subtle dimming of the lunar surface. Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon. This alignment blocks direct sunlight from reaching the lunar disk. The moon takes on a copper tone during the peak phase. Sunlight passes through the atmosphere of the Earth to create this effect.
Total lunar eclipse in the skies of Australia in 2022
Timing Across Major Australian Cities
Residents in Sydney and Melbourne see the total phase starting at 10:04 pm AEDT. The totality lasts for 58 minutes in these regions. The moon reaches the centre of the shadow at 10:33 pm. It then leaves the darkest part of the shadow at 11:02 pm. The entire process concludes in the early hours of 4 March.
Brisbane observers witness the start of totality at 9:04 pm AEST. The peak occurs at 9:33 pm in the Queensland capital. Adelaide residents view the start of the total phase at 9:34 pm ACDT. Perth skywatchers see the moon turn red from 7:04 pm AWST. Darwin inhabitants note the start of the event at 8:34 pm ACST.
- Sydney: 10:04 pm to 11:02 pm AEDT
- Melbourne: 10:04 pm to 11:02 pm AEDT
- Brisbane: 9:04 pm to 10:02 pm AEST
- Adelaide: 9:34 pm to 10:32 pm ACDT
- Perth: 7:04 pm to 8:02 pm AWST
- Darwin: 8:34 pm to 9:32 pm ACST
Technical Details And Official Statements
The eclipse duration totals 5 hours and 39 minutes from start to finish. The umbral magnitude reaches a value of 1.1526 during the peak. This figure indicates the depth of the moon within the shadow. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration provided details on the event. They announced the obscuration of the lunar disk.
The agency stated the following details for the public. “During the maximum eclipse, the Umbral shadow cast by the Earth will obscure 100% of the Moon’s disk” they said. This quote confirms the coverage of the lunar surface. Sunlight scatters through the atmosphere to provide the characteristic colour. Red light passes through while blue light scatters away from the moon.
Technical details of the total lunar eclipse
Viewing Locations And Clear Skies
Remote areas offer the best conditions for viewing the sky. The Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary provides a clear vantage point in South Australia. Historical data shows an average cloud cover of 24 per cent there. The Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park in New South Wales also welcomes visitors. This location maintains a status as the first dark sky park in Australia.
Viewers should find a location with a clear view of the horizon. No special equipment is necessary to watch the event safely. Binoculars enhance the details of the lunar craters during the eclipse. Telescopes provide a closer view of the shadow moving across the surface. Light pollution from cities can reduce the clarity of the stars.
Optimal viewing locations & conditions
Future Lunar Events In Australia
The next total lunar eclipse occurs on 22 July 2028. This upcoming event will be visible from the Australian continent. Other partial eclipses will happen before that date. Astronomers track these cycles using the Saros series system. The March 2026 event belongs to Saros cycle 133.
This eclipse is the 27th member of the 71 events in the series. It takes place at the descending node of the lunar orbit. The moon resides in the constellation of Leo during the event. High interest remains for this celestial alignment across the globe. Science centres plan public viewing nights for the local communities.
