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The Lunar Eclipse of March 3, 2026

Text and photos by Kathy Hrechka, MSDC Member

Earth’s shadow is eclipsing the moon by 50% at 5:24 am. Samsung cell phone set at 30-power magnification.

A total lunar eclipse nicknamed the “Worm Blood Moon,” occurred on March 3, 2026. I planned on viewing the eclipse even though it was scheduled to begin at 4am EST.

Viewing in Jupiter, Florida with a clear sky and temperature of 73°F, I decided to camp out on our condo balcony with a cappuccino, pillow, and blanket. It was easy to stay awake because I didn’t want to miss the lunar eclipse, even though I was tired.

Since our balcony faces north, I was in the correct position to see the full moon in the northwestern sky. The night sky was alive with activity. I observed the big dipper hanging brightly in the north, while a meteor streaked under it. I also saw aircraft with green and red lights flashing on their wings in the distance, as well as satellites at higher altitudes.

Full moon at 4am Eastern Standard Time. Samsung cell phone set at 30-power magnification.

At 4am the full moon appeared bright in full view, so I tested my Samsung 23 cell phone to capture photos of the eclipse. I was elated to see my results of a clear moon. I learned that my best photos taken were when my cell phone was set to 30-power magnification. A 22-power magnification provided a bright view with an aura and the Earth’s shadow beginning to block the view of the moon.

Eclipse begins at 5:06am. Samsung cell phone set at 22-power magnification.

To capture clear photos, I steadied my hand against the balcony railing and zoomed in at the moon. I also used binoculars during the event which lasted for two hours.

Check out some of my documentation of the eclipse below. The colors shown in the photos appear to be true to the way they looked during the actual eclipse. The next total lunar eclipse (“blood moon”) will occur on December 31, 2028.

By 6:00am the moon is almost fully shadowed by Earth. Samsung cell phone set at 30-power magnification.
The sky remained dark at 6:09am due to the full lunar eclipse, referred to as the Worm Blood Moon. Samsung cell phone set at 30-power magnification.
The sun began rising in the east while the eclipsed moon faded away through clouds and daylight in the early morning. View from the balcony overlooking the intracoastal waters of Jupiter, Florida.