Illinois residents may be able to view the only total lunar eclipse of 2026 next week, coinciding with March’s full moon.
It’s the first total lunar eclipse to be visible in the Americas since March 2025, according to NASA.
Here’s what we know about where and when the eclipse will be visible.
What is a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow across the moon’s surface and turning it a reddish-orange color, according to NASA.
It can only occur during a full moon phase.
Where will the lunar eclipse be visible?
Totality will be visible in the evening March 3 from eastern Asia and Australia, throughout the night in the Pacific, and in the early morning in North and Central America and far western South America, NASA reports.
The eclipse will be partially visible in central Asia and much of South America. No eclipse will be visible in Africa or Europe.
When will the lunar eclipse be visible in Illinois? What time is totality?
The moon will begin to enter the outer edge of the Earth’s shadow around 2:44 a.m. CT on Tuesday, March 3, according to NASA.
Totality won’t occur until closer to dawn, however, at around 5:04 a.m. CT.
What time will the March 3 lunar eclipse end in Illinois?
The eclipse will end at around 8:23 a.m. CT, according to NASA.
Will skies be clear in Illinois during the lunar eclipse? March 3 weather forecast
Illinois residents trying to catch a glimpse of the lunar eclipse will want to bring an umbrella and a warm jacket, unfortunately.
Tuesday morning will be mostly cloudy with a likelihood of rain in central Illinois and Chicago, with temperatures ranging in the low to high 30s, according to the National Weather Service.
How to observe a lunar eclipse. Do you need special glasses to view?
Unlike a solar eclipse, you don’t need any special equipment to view a lunar eclipse.
All you need is a direct line of sight to the moon, though a dark environment away from lights, binoculars and a telescope can definitely help.
When is the next total lunar eclipse? Calendar of upcoming eclipses
Why does the moon turn red during a ‘Blood Moon’ lunar eclipse?
During a total eclipse, the moon appears dark red or orange because the Earth blocks most of the sun’s light from it, allowing only a small amount of light to be filtered through the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface, according to NASA.
“It’s as if all of the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon,” the administration says.
Why is it called the ‘Worm Moon’?
The lunar eclipse will coincide with March’s full moon, nicknamed the “Worm Moon.”
The name comes from a mix of Native American, Colonial American, and European sources, marking a turning point in the seasons when signs of spring slowly start emerging, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Best spots to watch the lunar eclipse, full moon in Illinois
State parks and campgrounds are your best bet for clear stargazing in Illinois, in locations such as Campsite 26 at Apple River Canyon State Park and the Area 4 Parking Lot at Iroquois County State Wildlife Area. A full list of the best stargazing spots in Illinois can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.
For those in Chicago, stars will be more visible on the city lakefront, the Palos Preserves in Willow Springs and the 606 Trail at 1801 N. Ridgeway, according to a list compiled by the Adler Planetarium.
CONTRIBUTING: Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Total lunar eclipse overlaps with ‘Worm Moon.’ Will Rockford see it?
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
