Total Lunar Eclipse Coming up on March 3
The last total lunar eclipse until the very end of 2028 – nearly three years away – occurs just a few days from now: March 3, 2026. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to photograph it if you can.
The last total lunar eclipse until the very end of 2028 – nearly three years away – occurs just a few days from now: March 3, 2026. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to photograph it, if you can. The eclipse is visible before dawn in the Midwest, overnight in western North America and over the Pacific, and after sunset in Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand.
We have some great resources to help you plan your photography of the eclipse. We highly recommend checking out the Moon Simulator in TPE Web. Here’s a preview you can try out:
Try clicking play to watch how totality begins as observed from Legion Park in Boulder, Colorado, in the early hours of next Tuesday morning. You can also use your mouse or trackpad to zoom in or out or pan around. The red circle is the projection of Earth’s umbral cone. The yellow circle is the projection of the penumbral cone. You can view this location and time in the TPE Web using this link.
Photography Tips
Check your sightlines. Depending on your location, the eclipse may happen when the Moon is low in the sky. You’ll want to check that it’s visible above surrounding terrain – use the sightline tools in TPE Web or iOS.
You’ll need a tripod. During totality, the Moon is so dark that handheld exposures will be difficult or impossible. For a sharp image, use a tripod.
Acquire focus during partial phases. High-contrast edges during partial eclipse make autofocus easier. During totality, the Moon is much darker and more difficult for autofocus systems to lock onto. Avoid refocusing during totality unless necessary.
Expect significant exposure differences. The brightness difference between partial phases and totality is substantial – seven stops or more! Exposure settings suitable for a bright partial Moon will not be appropriate during totality:
The exposures shown above are for guidance only. Each eclipse is different: a higher-magnitude eclipse is darker at maximum eclipse than a lower-magnitude event. Atmospheric conditions can affect brightness. Adjust accordingly!
Plan for movement across the sky. If creating a composite sequence, record altitude and azimuth at key stages to determine the required horizontal and vertical framing.
Consider atmospheric effects. Low-altitude shots may include haze, distortion, or color shifts. What you see may not be the same as observers at other locations.
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Wishing you all clear skies for the eclipse!
