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.”

In a surprising shift, Donald Trump announced that he will attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for the first time as president, ending years of tension between his administration and the press corps.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote that the White House Correspondents’ Association had asked him “very nicely” to be the honoree at the 2026 dinner. He emphasized that the tradition dates back to Calvin Coolidge and claimed journalists now recognize him as “one of the Greatest Presidents in the History of our Country.”

Trump asserted that he skipped the event during his first term due to what he described as “extraordinarily bad” and “FAKE NEWS” coverage. According to him, the animosity from the media began “from the beginning” of his presidency.

This year’s dinner will feature mentalist Oz Pearlman as the headliner — a break from the WHCD’s longstanding tradition of hiring comedians known for roasting sitting presidents. The WHCA’s decision follows last year’s controversy, when Amber Ruffin was initially selected to perform but was removed after criticism from the White House.

Before his presidency, Trump attended several WHCDs, including the widely discussed 2011 dinner. That night, then-President Barack Obama and comedian Seth Meyers delivered harsh jokes at Trump’s expense — an incident many believe fueled his decision to launch his presidential campaign in 2015.

The 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner is scheduled for April 25 in Washington, D.C., and Trump has promised it will be the “GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER OF ANY KIND, EVER.”