Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Tue, Mar 3, 2026 - CLOSED

Cost:

$5 Suggested Donation Per Person

UPDATE: 2026.03.02 at 17:23
Due to the early morning forecast for increasing clouds coupled with the amount of snow on the Frosty Drew campus, we have decided to keep the Observatory closed for the Total Lunar Eclipse event. There is a chance that the beginning of partial eclipse may be visible before heavier clouds move in, and of course, there are a couple of forecast sources that show clearer sky conditions until after 5 am. If you’re looking to catch a view, you will want to step outside around 5:00 am, and look to the western sky to catch the partial eclipse. Read below for timings of the eclipse stages if you are planning to catch the entire show.
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On Tuesday, March 3, 2026 a Total Lunar Eclipse is taking place and it will be visible to all in New England. This will be an awesome morning and Frosty Drew Observatory is opening to celebrate the event starting at 3:00 am offering excellent views of the eclipse. We will stay on site and open until sunrise, as the eclipse will set during its total eclipse stage over New England.

A Lunar Eclipse happens when the Moon passes into Earth's shadow. This only happens during the full lunar phase. Since this eclipse will be a total eclipse, the entire Moon will pass into the Earth's dark shadow, called the Umbra. During the period of totality (total eclipse) the Moon will glow a crimson red. This happens due to sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere effectively scattering the violet side of the visible spectrum of light.

The eclipse will begin at 3:44 am Tuesday morning and will start as a dimming of one side of the Moon. At 4:50 am the partial eclipse will begin when a chunk of the Moon will start to appear missing. Total eclipsing of the Moon will start at 6:04 am with maximum totality occurring at 6:32 am and ending at 7:02 am. Once totality ends, the partial eclipse will continue until 8:17 am, which is after the Moon sets for our location.

The Frosty Drew Sky Theatre will be open all morning, showing a live stream of the lunar eclipse on the big screen. The Observatory will be open for tours though the main telescope will remain closed. On screen in the Observatory will be a live stream of the lunar eclipse. We will have telescopes setup outside the observatory offering views of the night sky and the lunar eclipse.

Tickets are not required for visitors to attend this event. Though a suggested donation of $5 per person, at the event, is very appreciated.

Take a moment to check out our galleries of past Lunar Eclipses at Frosty Drew Observatory.

So dust off those binoculars. Grab a blanket, lawn chair, some tasty eats, family, and friends and hang out with us in Ninigret Park under the crimson Moon.