blood moon
There’s a rare blood moon on the horizon the likes of which Australia won’t see again for nearly three years.

While the upcoming celestial event promises a stunning sight, only about half of Australia will enjoy its full splendor next week.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on when to catch this astronomical phenomenon, tips for optimal viewing, and the regions in Australia where it will shine brightest.

blood moon
A total lunar eclipse is also known as a blood moon due to its dramatic red colouring.(Darrian Traynor)

Can the lunar eclipse be seen in Australia?

The 2026 blood moon will be visible across the entire country, but only those on the east coast will have the chance to observe the full eclipse from start to finish.

Meanwhile, residents in central Australia and along the west coast might face limited visibility, as the eclipse will commence before the sun fully sets in these regions.

However, once the sun dips below the horizon, later stages of the eclipse will become visible in these areas.

When is the Lunar Eclipse in Australia?

For the best viewing experience, find a dark location with a clear view of the horizon, ideally far from the interference of city lights.

The best time to see it will be during the totality phase, when the moon turns a dramatic shade of red.

Here are the start and end times of the totality phase in each capital city:

  • Sydney – starts 10.04pm, ends 11.02pm
  • Canberra – starts 10.04pm, ends 11.02pm
  • Brisbane – starts 9.04pm, ends 10.02pm
  • Melbourne – starts 10.04pm, ends 11.02pm
  • Adelaide – starts 9.34pm, ends 10.32pm
  • Hobart – starts 10.04pm, ends 11.02pm
  • Darwin – starts 8.34pm, ends 9.32pm
  • Perth – starts 7.04pm, ends 8.02pm

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