“Blood Moon” to Grace Tampa Bay Skies Tuesday Morning

A total lunar eclipse will be visible over Tampa Bay in the early hours of Tuesday, March 3, giving local sky-watchers a chance to see the moon turn a deep red — a phenomenon commonly called a “Blood Moon.”

The moon will begin to visibly darken around 5:30 a.m., with the total eclipse starting at 6:04 a.m. Unlike last year’s Blood Moon, which appeared directly overhead, this year’s eclipse will hug the western horizon, so viewers will need a clear, unobstructed view to the west.

The reddish color occurs because Earth passes between the sun and the moon, and stray light filtering through Earth’s atmosphere scatters onto the lunar surface.

Those who miss this event won’t have another chance to witness a total lunar eclipse until New Year’s Eve 2028–2029. No special equipment is needed — the eclipse is visible to the naked eye from anywhere in the Tampa Bay area with a clear western horizon.

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