The world will witness a total lunar eclipse in early March 2026, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, a timing that has heightened public interest in the phenomenon and its visibility across the Arab region.
According to the Jeddah Astronomical Society, the total lunar eclipse is expected to occur on March 3, 2026, during the middle of Ramadan.
However, the society clarified via its official Facebook page that the eclipse will not be visible in Saudi Arabia or other Arab countries, due to their geographic location at the time of the event.
Total lunar eclipses are among the most visually striking astronomical events. During the phenomenon, the Moon takes on a deep red or coppery hue, creating a dramatic spectacle for skywatchers in regions where it is visible.
The term “Blood Moon” is often used in media coverage to describe a total lunar eclipse. However, astronomers stress that it is not a scientific term, but rather a popular expression that gained traction during the series of eclipses in 2014 and 2015.
In professional astronomical circles, the event is referred to simply as a total lunar eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to move completely into Earth’s shadow.
Despite being fully shadowed, the Moon does not disappear. Instead, it appears reddish because sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is filtered and bent toward the lunar surface.
According to NASA, this effect is caused by light scattering: shorter blue wavelengths are dispersed in the atmosphere, while longer red wavelengths continue through and illuminate the Moon, giving it its characteristic copper or crimson glow.
The exact shade of red varies from one eclipse to another, depending on atmospheric conditions such as dust levels, volcanic ash, pollution, and overall sky clarity, making each total lunar eclipse a unique visual experience.
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