East Coast Skywatchers to Witness Incredible Selenelion During Total Lunar Eclipse: Everything You Need to Know

Published on March 3, 2026

Image generated with Ai

On the night of March 2 (or early morning on March 3, depending on where you are), skywatchers around the world will be treated to a spectacular total lunar eclipse. This rare celestial event will allow the moon to pass into the Earth’s shadow, turning it a deep red hue—a breathtaking sight known as a ‘blood moon’. What makes this event even more intriguing for viewers on the East Coast of the United States is the possibility of witnessing a rare phenomenon called a selenelion, adding a unique twist to this astronomical spectacle. This will be the last total lunar eclipse until the New Year’s Eve of 2028, so here’s everything you need to know to ensure you don’t miss it.

Image generated with Ai

What Is a Total Lunar Eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall upon the moon. As the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, sunlight filtering through the Earth’s atmosphere casts a reddish glow over the moon, giving it a striking blood-red appearance.

The eclipse happens in stages. First, the moon enters the outer shadow of Earth, known as the penumbra, where the dimming effect is subtle. This is called the penumbral eclipse. As the moon continues its journey into the Earth’s darker inner shadow, or the umbra, a partial eclipse begins. You’ll see a gradual darkening of the moon’s surface. The full eclipse, or totality, occurs when the moon is entirely within the umbra, turning a striking reddish-orange.

When and Where Can You See the Eclipse?

Unlike solar eclipses, which are visible only along a narrow path, lunar eclipses are visible wherever the moon can be seen. This week’s total lunar eclipse will be visible across the Americas, the Pacific, Australia, and Asia. The best part? Unlike solar eclipses, you don’t need special glasses to view it—the event is safe to observe with the naked eye. For those who want a closer look, binoculars or a telescope can be used to get an even more detailed view.

The total eclipse will last for 58 minutes, but the entire event will span 5 hours and 39 minutes. The timing varies by location: in the Americas, it will begin after midnight on March 3, while those in the western regions like Hawaii will see it start on the night of March 2. In the Pacific, the eclipse will begin on March 3, continuing into the early hours of March 4 in places like New Zealand.

Detailed Timing of the Eclipse (UTC)

• Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 8:44:25 a.m.
• Partial Eclipse Begins: 9:50:07 a.m.
• Full Eclipse Begins: 11:04:34 a.m.
• Maximum Eclipse: 11:33:46 a.m.
• Full Eclipse Ends: 12:02:49 p.m.
• Partial Eclipse Ends: 1:17:15 p.m.
• Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 2:23:06 p.m.

To find the timing in your specific location, use a time zone converter.

What Is a Selenelion?

Now, here’s where the total lunar eclipse gets particularly exciting. For viewers on the East Coast of the United States, there’s a chance to witness a rare event known as a selenelion. During this eclipse, the moon will be completely eclipsed while the sun rises in the east. This overlap of the moon setting in the west and the sun rising in the east creates a unique optical illusion.

A selenelion is technically impossible according to basic physics because the sun and moon should be exactly 180 degrees apart. However, due to the bending of light by the Earth’s atmosphere, known as atmospheric refraction, both the sun and the eclipsed moon can appear to be visible at the same time.

To witness this phenomenon, you’ll need to find a location with an unobstructed view of both the eastern and western horizons, ideally from a higher vantage point.

When is the Next Total Lunar Eclipse?

If you miss this total lunar eclipse, the next one visible from North America won’t take place until New Year’s Eve 2028. However, there will be a partial lunar eclipse on August 27–28, 2026, which will be visible in certain parts of the world. Additionally, don’t forget about the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026—another celestial event not to be missed.

On March 3, 2026, East Coast skywatchers will witness the incredible selenelion during a total lunar eclipse, as the moon sets in the west while the sun rises in the east—thanks to atmospheric refraction. This rare event offers a unique opportunity to see both celestial bodies simultaneously.

In conclusion, the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, combined with the rare selenelion, promises to be a spectacular sight for East Coast skywatchers. This extraordinary event, where the eclipsed moon and rising sun appear together in the sky, will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t miss the chance to witness this breathtaking astronomical phenomenon before the next total lunar eclipse in 2028.