Monthly Archives: February 2026

There are moments when the universe politely taps us on the shoulder and says, “Hey, look up!”.
On 3 March 2026, that tap comes in the form of a total lunar eclipse, better known by its dramatic nickname: the Blood Moon.

Hold up. No doomsday vibes required. No ancient prophecies unlocked. Just pure, celestial magic happening right above us.

If you’ve never watched the Moon slowly slip into Earth’s shadow, turn copper-red, and hang there like a cosmic ember… this is your sign to get ready to watch it this year.

What Is a Blood Moon, Really?

Let’s get the science bit out of the way (because science is cool).

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth positions itself perfectly between the Sun and the Moon. As sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, while longer red wavelengths bend and reach the Moon.

The result?

The Moon doesn’t disappear, instead it glows deep red.

è It’s the same reason sunsets look fiery orange. Except this time, the sunset

Anyone who has done astrophotography knows that it’s usually a game of patience. Long nights. Cold fingers. Missed focus. Clouds with suspiciously perfect timing.

But on 3 March 2026, the universe meets us halfway.

A total lunar eclipse, aka the iconic Blood Moon, is one of the most forgiving, rewarding and downright fun events an astrophotographer can shoot. During this period, there are no racing satellites, no ultra-precise polar alignment stress. Just you and the Moon, slowly changing character over a few magical hours.

If you’ve ever wanted a cosmic event that feels cinematic and achievable, this is it.

Why Blood Moons are a Photographer’s Dream

Unlike most deep-sky targets, the Blood Moon moves slowly, changing colours dramatically over time. It doesn’t require dark-sky perfection and looks incredible even from suburban locations.

It’s basically a built-in time-lapse subject with a strong narrative arc; the moon goes from:
Bright → Shadowed → Copper-red → Bright again.

You’re not

March 2026 is shaping up to be a treat for skywatchers. As the southern skies transition into autumn, an icy visitor from the outer Solar System, the 88P/Howell Comet, makes its return; offering amateur astronomers a rare and rewarding observing opportunity around the 18^th March 2026.

Comets don’t rush. They drift, glow and quietly remind us that the Solar System is still very much alive. Howell’s return is a perfect excuse to slow down, step outside after sunset and reconnect with the night sky.

What is Comet 88P/Howell?

Discovered in 1981 by American astronomer Ellen Howell, 88P/Howell is a short-period comet that swings past the Sun roughly every five and a half years. Each return slightly reshapes its nucleus, releasing gas and dust that form the glowing coma and tail we love to observe.

While Howell isn’t typically a naked-eye showstopper, it’s exactly the kind of comet that shines through quality binoculars or a small to mid-sized telescope that is subtle, atmospheric and deeply