A total lunar eclipse is turning the moon red. Here’s how to watch
Witnessing the Red Moon: A Total Lunar Eclipse in March 2026
On Tuesday, a total lunar eclipse will cast a deep reddish-orange hue across the moon, offering a celestial spectacle for observers in Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas. This phenomenon, commonly called a blood moon, occurs when Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the moon, creating a shadow that alters its color, as explained by NASA.
Three Consecutive Eclipses in a Row
Dr. C. Alex Young, associate director for science communication at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that this eclipse marks the final event in a series of three consecutive total lunar eclipses. The prior two occurred in March and September 2025, respectively. Observers are urged to witness this occurrence, as the next total lunar eclipse will not take place until December 31, 2028.
Timing and Viewing Details
The eclipse’s progression begins with a penumbral phase at 3:44 a.m. ET, followed by a partial eclipse starting at 4:50 a.m. ET. Totality, the moment when the moon is fully within Earth’s shadow, will begin at 6:04 a.m. ET. The peak of the event, when the moon reaches its most vivid crimson tone, occurs at 6:34 a.m. ET. Viewers should prioritize this time for the best experience, according to Young.
“If you only have time to look at one part, this is what to aim for,” Young said.
As the moon exits Earth’s shadow at 7:03 a.m. ET, the eclipse transitions to a partial phase before concluding with a penumbral event at 9:23 a.m. ET. Weather conditions will determine visibility, with clouds potentially hindering the view.
Names and Cultural Significance
The March full moon, while not directly tied to the eclipse, carries multiple names rooted in cultural traditions. The Farmers’ Almanac lists several, including the “worm moon,” which reflects the thawing of soil and the emergence of wildlife in early spring. Native American tribes such as the Ojibwe refer to it as the “snow crust moon,” a nod to the snow that melts by day and refreezes at night. Other names include the “sore eye moon,” a term inspired by the glare of sunlight on snow.
Looking beyond the eclipse, 2026 will feature a unique set of full moons. Skywatchers will witness two full moons in May, contributing to a total of 13 lunar events throughout the year. This occurrence, known as the blue moon phenomenon, happens when two full moons appear in the same calendar month, a rarity that occurs roughly every 2.5 years.
Remaining Full Moons of 2026
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the remaining full moons in 2026 are scheduled as follows: April 1: Pink moon May 1: Flower moon May 31: Blue moon June 29: Strawberry moon July 29: Buck moon August 28: Sturgeon moon September 26: Harvest moon October 26: Hunter’s moon November 24: Beaver moon December 23: Cold moon
Following the blood moon, a total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal. A partial solar eclipse will also be observable across Europe, Africa, and North America. This marks the start of the second eclipse season of the year, a term used to describe periods when both solar and lunar eclipses happen in sequence.
Young also highlighted that eclipse seasons often include pairs or trios of events, with solar eclipses typically preceded or followed by lunar eclipses. For example, the upcoming solar eclipse will be accompanied by lunar eclipses on August 27 and 28, 2027. A further annular solar eclipse is set for February 6, 2027, which will be visible in specific regions.