The Blood Moon That Comes to Naples on March 3

A bright, full moon will turn a deep red color on the night of March 3, 2026, creating what many call a “blood moon. ” The effect happens when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. This is a natural phenomenon that can be seen from many parts of the world without any special equipment. For residents near Naples, Florida, the event will start in the early morning hours. The penumbral phase begins at about 3:44 a. m. , when the outer part of Earth’s shadow first touches the Moon. A few hours later, around 4:50 a. m. , the partial eclipse begins and the Moon starts to take on a reddish hue. By 6:04 a. m. , totality begins, and the Moon is fully bathed in that striking red glow. The peak of the eclipse occurs at roughly 6:33 a. m. , when the Moon is closest to the center of Earth’s shadow. Finally, the Moon sets around 6:50 a. m. , often fading from view before it actually reaches the horizon because of its low position in the sky.The timing is measured in Eastern Time. Because Naples lies near the coast, a clear night with little cloud cover will offer the best view. A dark environment away from street lights helps, but no special glasses are needed—unlike a solar eclipse. If you have binoculars or a telescope, the details become even more impressive. The eclipse will be visible in different parts of the world at various times. In North and Central America, people can watch it early in the morning; in eastern Asia and Australia, it occurs in the evening. The event is not visible from Europe or Africa at all. Watching a lunar eclipse is safe and simple. The Moon’s light does not pose any danger to the eyes, so you can look directly at it. If you want a more detailed view, bring a telescope or binoculars and find a spot with an unobstructed view of the western horizon. Keep in mind that the Moon’s low angle means it will rise and set quickly, so plan to be ready early. The March 3 eclipse is a chance for people in Naples and beyond to witness a spectacular natural show. It reminds us that the sky can change colors dramatically, even without any human-made light pollution.