The Lantern Festival will fall on March 3.It's once again time to admire the full moon.A total lunar eclipse will occur that night.This is the most anticipated celestial event visible in China this year.

△A total lunar eclipse occurred over Beijing on September 8, 2025.

The visibility of this lunar eclipse varies across China:the total phase will be witnessed in eastern regions;the phase during which the moon rises in eclipse until it fully regains its round shape will be seen in central regions;the eclipse from the brightening phase to the end of totality will be observed in western regions.

Here is the viewing schedule for the total lunar eclipse in Beijing time.

The first contact will occur at 17:49 on March 3. At this time, the moon can only be seen above the horizon in Northeast China.

The second contact will occur at 19:04. At this time, the moon will fully enter Earth's umbra, turning into a "blood moon". The night sky will return to darkness, and the stars, once hidden by the full moon's glow, will gradually emerge.

The middle of the eclipse will occur at 19:33. At this time, the moon will be at its darkest, and then it will become brighter and brighter.

The third contact will occur at 20:02, marking the end of the total lunar eclipse. The moon will start to emerge from the umbra, regaining its silvery light. Over the following hour, the dark shadow will shrink.

Finally, the eclipse will conclude at 21:17, and the moon will resume its full-disk shape.

The rare overlap of the Lantern Festival and a total lunar eclipse is unmissable.

Set your alarms and enjoy this spectacular scene with your family.