By Rich Csenge, president, Stellar Vista Observatory

Kanab’s Stellar Vista Observatory night sky interpreters invite you to join others to witness a total eclipse of the moon! The early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3 are special because this is one of only two occasions this year where a lunar eclipse can be seen. The first of these is a total eclipse. The second one, on August 27, is a partial eclipse. Both will be visible over North America. The far more remarkable spectacle of a total lunar eclipse is the one you won’t want to miss! But it occurs at a time when many would be fast asleep! So if you are an early riser, this opportunity is for you!

Intrepid sky watchers from SVO will set up telescopes to observe the spectacle at the Jackson Flat Reservoir boat launch parking area. Over a two hour period in southern Utah between 3:30 am and 5:30 am on March 3. you can watch the full moon enter the partial phase, slowly vanishing into totality as Earth passes directly between it and the Sun.

The full eclipse begins at 4:00 am and ends at 5:00 am. During its silent, serene, and mysterious totality, the rusty red color of the eclipsed orb will grace the night sky with an eerie glow. It is then that SVO’s telescopes and binoculars will reveal beautiful and mysterious objects in the deep sky that are normally invisible, hidden by the brilliance typical of a full moon night. Morning twilight begins at 5:30 am.

According to the renowned expert in the science of emotion, Dascher Keltner, experiencing the feeling of awe significantly enhances physical and mental well-being by promoting a “small self” perspective, reducing anxiety, increasing humility, and fostering social connection, generosity, and collaboration. We hope you’ll venture out!

View an Eclipse Map and Animation here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2026-march-3

Stellar Vista Observatory provides opportunities for people to enjoy, appreciate and comprehend what we can see in southern Utah’s starry skies. For more information about the new astronomical observatory coming soon to Kanab, visit: https://stellarvistaobservatory.org/.