The lunar eclipse of November 2021, captured by skilled astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy (@cosmic_background via Instagram).
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly into Earth’s shadow, blocking direct sunlight from hitting its surface. The shadow of Earth, known as the umbra, will be the only thing illuminating the lunar surface, gradually darkening it until it reaches a deep, glowing red. Unlike a solar eclipse, this event requires no special equipment or glasses. While a telescope or binoculars will enhance the experience, just a set of eyes is more than enough to make it memorable.
When and Where to See It
The total lunar eclipse of March 2026 will happen overnight from March 2-3 (depending on your time zone). Totality will last an entire hour, and the event will be visible across almost all of North America. For observers in the western and central United States, the observing conditions will be excellent, as the Moon will still be high in the sky when totality hits. Many skywatchers in South America, East Asia, and Australia will also get the opportunity to witness this spectacle.
A diagram showing the bending of sunlight that causes a Blood Moon to turn red (Image Credit: Starry Night with additions by Bob King).
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
During totality, the Moon will turn a deep red because of the way Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight. The shorter blue wavelengths of light get scattered away — the same exact process that turns our daytime sky blue. Conversely, the red and orange wavelengths are able to pass through the atmosphere and reach the Moon. In essence, every single sunrise and sunset on Earth is being projected onto the Moon at once.
A Total lunar eclipse setting over New York City in November of 2022 (Image Credit: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images).
After March 2026, the next total lunar eclipses that will be visible for those in North America will not be until January and June of 2029. The reason for this is orbital geometry — the Sun, Earth and Moon have to align just right for this event to take place. That rarity, combined with the long duration, makes the March 2026 “Blood Moon” one of the most talked about events of the decade.