Astronomy enthusiasts and casual skywatchers alike are in for a celestial treat tonight as a total lunar eclipse — commonly referred to as a blood moon — will occur across North America, Australia, and East Asia.

During the eclipse, the moon will pass completely into Earth’s umbral shadow, turning a dramatic red as sunlight refracts through the planet’s atmosphere. The total phase of the eclipse — called totality — will begin at 6:04 a.m. EST (11:04 GMT) on March 3 and peak at 6:33 a.m. EST (11:33 GMT), lasting approximately 58 minutes.

Over 40% of the world’s population, more than three billion people, will be able to witness at least part of the total lunar eclipse, making it one of the most widely visible astronomical events of 2026. This eclipse is also the last total lunar eclipse until December 31, 2028 – January 1, 2029, giving skywatchers plenty of incentive to look up tonight.

Here are key totality viewing times for major regions and time zones:

• Eastern Time (U.S.): 6:04–7:02 a.m. EST – the moon will set during totality
• Central Time (U.S.): 5:04–6:02 a.m. CST
• Mountain Time (U.S.): 4:04–5:02 a.m. MST
• Pacific Time (U.S.): 3:04–4:02 a.m. PST
• Alaska: 2:04–3:02 a.m. AKST
• Hawaii: 1:04–2:02 a.m. HST
• Sydney, Australia: 10:04–11:02 p.m. AEDT (March 3)
• Brisbane, Australia: 9:04–10:02 p.m. AEST (March 3)
• Tokyo, Japan: 8:04–9:02 p.m. JST (March 3)
• Seoul, South Korea: 8:04–9:02 p.m. KST (March 3)
• Beijing, China: 7:04–8:02 p.m. CST (March 3)
• Hong Kong: 7:04–8:02 p.m. HKT (March 3)

Observers are encouraged to look toward the eastern sky before sunrise in North America and in the evening sky across Australia and East Asia. No telescope is required to enjoy the eclipse, though binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view of the moon’s surface and the gradual red shading during totality.

This blood moon is part of Saros cycle 133, a series of recurring lunar eclipses that span centuries, demonstrating the predictability and wonder of our solar system. Skywatchers are reminded to dress warmly in cooler regions and to bring a camera or smartphone if they want to capture this rare spectacle.

Whether you’re a casual stargazer or a dedicated astronomer, tonight’s total lunar eclipse promises a stunning display that connects billions of people worldwide under the same reddish moon.

Last week’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch mocking Tourette syndrome sparked intense backlash online — especially from disability advocates in the United Kingdom — and raised critical questions about transatlantic understanding of the neurological condition.

The sketch aired shortly after the deeply controversial moment at the BAFTA Film Awards, when Scottish campaigner John Davidson, who lives with Tourette’s, shouted a racial slur during the ceremony. While BAFTA issued an “unreserved apology” and Davidson expressed remorse if anyone took his tics as intentional, the incident renewed scrutiny on how society interprets involuntary neurological behavior.

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition defined by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds called tics, which can include shouting and — occasionally — offensive words. The condition does not reflect the beliefs or character of those affected; rather, it is a complex and sometimes debilitating disability affecting many individuals worldwide.

The SNL segment, featuring cast members portraying controversial figures such as Mel Gibson, Bill Cosby and J.K. Rowling, suggested that Tourette’s was a convenient excuse for misconduct — a depiction that critics called insensitive, harmful and a misunderstanding of the condition. One line, delivered in character as Louis C.K., quipped that “Tourette’s sucks, especially if you get it in your penis,” eliciting thousands of comments and nearly one million YouTube views.

Up and down social media, reaction was swift. Many U.K. users lashed out, calling the joke “punching down” at a community still fighting stigma and misunderstanding. One widely shared post stated, “The difference between U.K. and U.S. responses has never been clearer,” referencing deep frustration over the sketch’s harmful portrayal and pointing to broader differences in disability education.

Reacting to the controversy, Tourette Scotland — a charity dedicated to destigmatizing the condition — posted an explanatory note tied to the sketch on X, clarifying that tics are involuntary and do not express a sufferer’s values or intentions. Supported by an influx of donations and website activity (many contributions made in Davidson’s name), the organization underscored its educational mission amid renewed public attention.

Similarly, Emma McNally, CEO of British charity Tourette’s Action, condemned SNL’s treatment of the issue as “never acceptable.” She emphasized that mocking a disability perpetuates harmful stereotypes and detracts from efforts to educate the public — a stance strongly echoed by disability advocates across the U.K. community.

These critical voices highlight that, although both countries share English‑language media environments, there exists a notable U.S.–U.K. gap in public understanding of Tourette’s syndrome. In Britain, Tourette’s has long been recognized and contextualized within media and cultural discourse, partly due to landmark works such as the 1989 BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, which followed the teenage Davidson growing up with Tourette’s. The documentary became a cultural touchstone, voted one of the best-ever BBC documentaries by public poll in 2005.

Davidson himself has been an outspoken advocate for awareness, including through projects like the BAFTA‑nominated film I Swear, released around this year’s ceremony. In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, Davidson thanked supporters for solidarity, while acknowledging the painful week as a reminder that much work remains to improve understanding and empathy around Tourette’s — particularly in media portrayals that reach global audiences.

“The past week has reminded me that what I do raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition — there is still a long way to go,” Davidson wrote. “I will keep on keeping on until this is achieved.”

A fatal shooting involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis has ignited a fierce political and moral debate across the country, with prominent Democrats calling for prosecution while the Trump administration defends the agent’s actions as self-defense.

At the center of the controversy is the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot on Wednesday after masked federal officers approached her vehicle on a Minneapolis street. Video footage, widely shared online, shows officers surrounding Good’s car before it begins to move forward. Moments later, an officer opens fire. The vehicle then veers and crashes into parked cars.

The footage has prompted emotional reactions from Democratic leaders, who argue the shooting represents a dangerous lack of accountability within federal immigration enforcement.

Democrats Call It “Murder”

New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not mince words while speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill. Calling the shooting a “murder,” she warned that ICE has evolved into what many critics long feared — an agency operating with excessive force and little civilian oversight.

“What we saw is a murder, and murders in cold blood need to be prosecuted,” Ocasio-Cortez said, adding that ICE has increasingly acted like an “anti-civilian force” with no meaningful accountability.

California Congressman Ro Khanna echoed those sentiments after viewing the video. He described the incident as horrifying and called for the ICE agent involved to be arrested and put on trial.

“We cannot have a lawless agency continue in this country the way they are,” Khanna said. “There needs to be accountability.”

Minneapolis’ own representative in Congress, Ilhan Omar, condemned the shooting in even broader terms. In a statement, Omar labeled ICE’s conduct “unconscionable and reprehensible,” arguing that the incident crossed the line from law enforcement into state violence.

“This is not law enforcement. It is state violence,” Omar said, calling for a full investigation and legal action against the agency.

Legal Hurdles and Federal Immunity

Despite the outrage, whether the ICE agent will face criminal charges remains uncertain. As noted by Reuters, federal officers are typically shielded from state prosecution when performing duties authorized under federal law. For Minnesota to bring charges, prosecutors would need to prove that the agent acted outside his official responsibilities or that the use of force was clearly unlawful.

That legal reality has only intensified frustration among critics, who argue that immunity doctrines too often shield federal officers from consequences, even in fatal encounters.

Trump Administration Pushes Back

The Trump administration moved swiftly to defend the ICE agent. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the officer acted in self-defense, claiming that Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon in what she described as an act of “domestic terrorism.”

President Donald Trump also weighed in, saying on Truth Social that he had reviewed the video and believed the officer fired in self-defense. Trump described Good as “very disorderly, obstructing and resisting,” and said the incident was under full review while reiterating his support for federal agents.

Minnesota Leaders Reject Federal Narrative

State and local officials in Minnesota have sharply rejected the administration’s explanation. Governor Tim Walz dismissed the Department of Homeland Security’s claims outright.

“I’ve seen the video. Don’t believe this propaganda machine,” Walz said, promising a full, fair, and expedited investigation to ensure accountability and justice.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was even more blunt. Speaking at a press conference, Frey flatly rejected DHS’s description of the shooting as self-defense.

“Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is bulls—,” Frey said. “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying.”

The mayor went further, telling ICE to leave the city entirely. “We do not want you here,” Frey said. “Your stated reason for being in this city is to create safety, and you are doing the exact opposite.”

A Broader Reckoning

The Minneapolis shooting has become more than a single incident; it has evolved into a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement, federal power, and civilian safety. With Democrats demanding prosecution and Republicans defending the agent, the case underscores deep divisions over ICE’s role in American cities and whether federal officers should face greater oversight when deadly force is used.

As investigations move forward, the video evidence and public pressure may ultimately determine whether this case leads to charges — or becomes another chapter in a long-running struggle over accountability in federal law enforcement.