TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Moon will emerge in deep red hues during a rare total lunar eclipse. Slipping perfectly into Earth's shadow, filtered sunlight washes the lunar surface in crimson rays and creates the striking celestial spectacle known as a Blood Moon.
While the rare alignment is completely safe to watch with the naked eyes, those hoping to capture and preserve the notable March 3 Blood Moon better prepare some camera settings and the right equipment for a clearer view.
Drawing insights from Space.com, USA Today, and others, here's everything to note for the exceptional viewing experience and extraordinary pictures of the Blood Moon:
Professional Equipment to View the March 3 Blood Moon
Blood Moon Through Smartphones
In most cases, phone cameras automatically balance light in the frame, resulting in the Blood Moon appearing overly bright against a dark sky. When this happens, tap the screen to focus and lower the brightness manually.
Avoid excessive digital zoom, which reduces detail, and instead frame the Moon within a wider scene, such as above trees, buildings, or reflected in water. Stargazers can also try to use night mode if available, as it boosts low-light sensitivity.
Blood Moon Using Binoculars
During the total lunar eclipse, binoculars are often occupied for a powerful upgrade for viewing the cosmic sight. Since the Blood Moon is naturally large and bright, almost any pair will work, even the cheapest ones.
However, Space.com mentioned 8x42 or 10x50 models are the ideal binoculars for beginners. This particular equipment provides clear magnification, a wide field of view, and enough light-gathering power to frame the entire lunar disk comfortably.
Blood Moon Through Professional Camera
When photographing the Blood Moon with a professional camera, don't use low-light settings; instead, set the white balance to daylight and begin with a fast shutter speed and a smaller aperture to preserve surface detail.
As totality approaches, increase your ISO to around 800-1600 and widen the aperture while lengthening the exposure. Early in the eclipse, exposures like 1/250s at f/8 and ISO 400 may work well, but during totality you may need 1–2 second exposures at wider apertures and higher ISO settings.
Blood Moon Using Telescopes
Seasoned stargazers usually prefer telescopes to truly capture a close view of the Blood Moon. Even during totality, both refractor and reflector telescopes perform well. Amateurs can start with a small refractor between 70mm and 100mm, which delivers crisp, high-contrast views with minimal setup.
A 6-inch or 8-inch reflector gathers more light and reveals finer detail across the Moon’s darker regions. Aim for 50x to 100x magnification for a balanced view, or go beyond 150x with larger scopes for even closer detail.
Prepare your gear, set your sights skyward, and let the March 3 Blood Moon leave you with memories and images that last long after the crimson glow fades.
Read: Blood Moon to Glow over Canada Early on March 3: How and When to Watch
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