Brazil to Miss Out on March 3rd Lunar Eclipse – But More Celestial Events are on the Horizon
Brazilian skywatchers will have a partially obscured view of the cosmos this Tuesday, March 3rd. Unlike the total lunar eclipse of March 14th, 2025, which captivated the nation, the upcoming lunar eclipse will be seen only in part across Brazil. Those hoping to witness the full spectacle will need to wait until 2029.
Why Brazil Won’t See the Total Eclipse
According to Dr. Josina Nascimento, an astronomer at the National Observatory, the Moon’s trajectory in relation to the Brazilian horizon will prevent observation of the most impressive phase of the eclipse. “Every total lunar eclipse goes through the penumbral, partial, total, partial, and penumbral phases, in that order. But when the Moon is fully eclipsed, it will already be below the horizon here in Brazil,” she explained.
What Will Be Visible in Brazil?
The eclipse will begin at 5:44 AM (Brasília time) with the penumbral phase, where the Moon enters the Earth’s lighter shadow without a noticeable change in brightness. The partial phase will start at 6:50 AM, with the Earth’s darker shadow beginning to “bite” into the lunar disk. The total phase, the most anticipated moment, will occur between 8:04 AM and 9:02 AM, but by then, the Moon will have set across all of Brazil.
Visibility will vary depending on location within the country. Residents in the far east will see nothing. Those in the central region will only observe the penumbral phase. In the western regions, a more pronounced partial eclipse will be visible, with up to 96% obscuration in the far west.
Future Eclipse Opportunities
While the total eclipse of March 3rd is out of reach, other celestial events are on the calendar. The National Observatory notes that on the night of August 27th-28th, 2026, a partial eclipse with 93% magnitude will occur – described as “almost total.”
Looking further ahead:
- In 2027, all three lunar eclipses will be penumbral, barely perceptible to the naked eye.
- 2028 will bring two partial eclipses, but with low magnitudes (less than 3% and 33% obscuration, respectively), and a total eclipse not visible from Brazil.
The wait for a fully visible total lunar eclipse in Brazil will conclude on the night of June 25th-26th, 2029, when all phases of the eclipse will be visible across the entire country – a spectacle reminiscent of the unforgettable event on March 14th, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I be able to see any part of the March 3rd eclipse? If you are located in western Brazil, you may see a partial eclipse.
- When is the next total lunar eclipse visible in Brazil? June 25th-26th, 2029.
- What are the phases of a lunar eclipse? Penumbral, partial, total, partial, and penumbral.
Don’t miss out on future celestial events! Explore our other articles on astronomy and space exploration to stay informed about the wonders of the universe.
