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A rare astronomical event will be visible in Kansas before sunrise on Tuesday, March 3, as a total lunar eclipse turns the full “Worm Moon” a reddish‑orange color often called a blood moon.

The eclipse will begin in the early morning hours, with the Moon entering Earth’s shadow while it is still above the horizon in central U.S. time. Skywatchers in Kansas can expect the eclipse to unfold before and during dawn. According to Time and Date, the event starts locally around 2:44 a.m. Central Time, reaches its maximum about 5:33 a.m., and ends around 6:49 a.m. as the Moon moves out of Earth’s shadow.

During totality, when the entire lunar surface is within Earth’s darkest shadow, the Moon may take on a deep copper‑red hue, visible without special equipment. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, though binoculars or telescopes can enhance the experience.

The March 3 eclipse is the first total lunar eclipse visible in the Americas since 2025 and the last until late 2028.

For best viewing, observers should find a clear sightline to the western sky before dawn and check local weather forecasts, as clouds can affect visibility.