'Blood Worm Moon' 2026: Date, time and how to watch March's Full Moon

The stunning 'Blood Worm Moon' is slated for March 3, 2026, with the best visibility for viewers in North America, particularly for those on the West Coast, says NASA. Excited? Here's everything you need to know to catch the gigantic Blood Moon illuminating the sky with its eerie crimson hue next month.

'Blood Worm Moon'—What does it mean?

The Worm Moon, the traditional name for March’s full Moon, was believed to be a reference to the earthworms that emerge when the soil warms up with the arrival of spring. However, research indicates that it is actually a reference to beetle larvae, another type of worm, that emerges from its winter hiding place in early spring. A Blood Moon takes place during a total lunar eclipse. At this time, Earth’s shadow filters sunlight through its atmosphere and gives the Moon the classic dark red glow.

When can the 'Blood Worm Moon' be seen?

According to NASA, totality (when the Moon is completely within Earth's central shadow) will last nearly an hour from 11:04 UTC (6:04 am EST) to 12:03 UTC (7:03 am EST). However, the penumbral phase, signaling the entry of the Moon into the outer part of Earth's shadow, will start at 8:44 UTC (3:44 am EST). The eclipse will be over with the end of the penumbral phase at 14:23 UTC (9:23 am EST). 

Do you need anything to view the eclipse?

You will be able to view the spectacle with just your naked eye as long as you have a direct line of sight to the Moon. Of course, a pair of binoculars or a telescope is sure to enhance your experience. Lunar eclipses, unlike their solar counterparts, also do not require observers to wear protective equipment like eclipse glasses. But do make sure you have them for the upcoming solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. 

Good visibility locations

This phenomenon will be fully visible in the evening for viewers in eastern Asia and Australia, all through the night over the Pacific, and in the early hours of the morning in North and Central America and western South America. It will not be visible in Europe or Africa.

Why are lunar eclipses not frequent?

A Full Moon appears once every month, so why don’t lunar eclipses occur so frequently? This is where the Moon's tilted orbit comes into play. Earth’s shadow does not always fall on the Moon directly; sometimes it's above or below. But when it does fall directly, that is when a lunar eclipse occurs.

For those interested, this celestial event is also going to offer opportunities for some great photographs. And if you own a DSLR, there's nothing like it. Make sure to raise the camera's sensitivity when totality begins, and you'll have bragging rights to some really good clicks.

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