Total eclipse of the moon in early hours of Tuesday

By THE ALASKA STORY

March 2, 2026 – Alaskans willing to set an alarm, or simply stay up late, will be treated to a full view of a total lunar eclipse in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3.

The entire eclipse will be visible across the state, beginning at approximately 11:44 pm Monday night (March 2) and lasting until about 5:23 am Tuesday morning.

The most dramatic phase, known as totality, when the moon turns a reddish-copper color, begins around 2:04 am Alaska Standard Time and lasts for about 58 minutes.

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. As the moon moves fully into Earth’s shadow, it doesn’t go dark. Instead, it glows red.

According to NASA, the red color happens because sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere is bent and scattered before reaching the moon. Shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, while longer red wavelengths pass through, effectively projecting all the world’s sunrises and sunsets onto the lunar surface at once.

The result is the so-called “blood moon.”

No special equipment is required to enjoy the show. Simply look up at the moon during the peak hours. Binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view, revealing subtle shading and surface features as Earth’s shadow moves across it.

For the best viewing experience, step away from city lights and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Clear skies permitting, the eclipse should be visible statewide.

While sleep deprivation may be common, this is one early-morning interruption that comes with a cosmic payoff.