MANILA, Philippines – A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the Philippines on March 3, 2026, with nearly one hour of full totality expected in Manila and other parts of the country, according to DOST-PAGASA.
The agency said the total eclipse will last approximately 59 minutes and 24 seconds and will also be completely visible over Eastern Asia, Australia, the Central Pacific, and most areas of the Americas.
In Manila, the Moon will rise at 5:58 PM already partially eclipsed, allowing observers to witness the early stages of the astronomical event shortly after moonrise.
Totality will begin at 7:04 PM and reach its maximum at 7:34 PM, when Earth’s shadow fully covers the Moon’s disk.
During this phase, the Moon may appear reddish or copper-colored, a phenomenon commonly known as a “Blood Moon,” caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere and scattering shorter wavelengths of light.
The Moon will remain within the umbral shadow until 8:03 PM, exit the umbra at 9:17 PM, and completely leave the penumbral shadow at 10:25 PM, marking the end of the eclipse.
PAGASA said the lunar eclipse is safe to observe with the naked eye and does not require any protective equipment, unlike solar eclipses.
Binoculars or small telescopes may enhance the viewing experience, but these are not necessary to clearly see the eclipse.
Predicted schedules of the eclipse’s major phases in key metropolitan areas nationwide are included in the agency’s advisory to help the public plan their observations.
For further information, the public may contact the Space Science and Astronomy Section of PAGASA through its hotline numbers or official email.
The advisory was issued under the authority of Nathaniel T. Servando, Ph.D., administrator of PAGASA.
— The Summit Express