Lunar Eclipse in March 2026: The Astronomical Spectacle That Will Turn the Sky Red

The astronomical events of February and March 2026 promise to be especially significant for skywatchers in the United States. Following the Snow Moon, which recently reached its peak, an eclipse of the moon is approaching that will capture the attention of astronomers and enthusiasts alike. This total lunar eclipse on March 3 will be one of the most anticipated phenomena of the year, transforming the moon with reddish hues before dawn.

The March 3 Lunar Eclipse: An Event You Don’t Want to Miss

During the early morning of March 3, 2026, residents in multiple regions of the United States will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary total lunar eclipse. According to NASA, this celestial event will tint the sky with an intense red color before sunrise, creating a unique visual experience.

In cities like Chicago, the spectacle will reach its peak at 5:33 a.m. (Central Time), when the Moon will be fully immersed in Earth’s umbral shadow. The phenomenon will conclude shortly before dawn, around 6:20 a.m., offering a relatively brief but highly memorable viewing window.

During a total lunar eclipse, our natural satellite passes through Earth’s darkest shadow, causing its surface to gradually darken and take on that unmistakable reddish tone. This effect, colloquially known as the “blood moon,” results from sunlight scattering through Earth’s atmosphere, similar to the reddish sunrises and sunsets we experience on Earth.

Snow Moon: The Lunar Phenomenon We Just Witnessed

The Snow Moon, also called the Cold Moon, corresponds to the first full moon of February and has recently occurred, reaching its peak on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 5:09 p.m. (Eastern Time). This phenomenon traditionally marks the start of the second month of the year and is quickly followed by the astronomical events of March.

Its name has deep roots in the traditions of Indigenous peoples of North America and Europe. According to The Farmers’ Almanac, the designation is directly related to the season of the heaviest snowfalls of the year. Historical records from the 18th century document explorer Jonathan Carver noting that this period was known as the Snow Moon among communities in the territory now known as Dakota.

Different Indigenous cultures assigned alternative names to this moon, linking them to animal cycles. The Cree called it the Eagle Moon, the Ojibwe Bear Moon, and the Tlingit Black Bear Moon, referencing the birth of cubs during the winter season. The Cherokee, on the other hand, called it the Hunger Moon or Bone Moon, names reflecting the food scarcity characteristic of this time of year.

Other Astronomical Shows of 2026

Beyond the March moon eclipse, 2026 offers a particularly active astronomical calendar. During the same month, the Worm Moon will also appear, traditionally associated with the arrival of spring and representing the second major full moon of the year. Later, toward the end of May, a Blue Moon is expected, a term used when two full moons occur within the same calendar month, a relatively rare event that attracts observers worldwide.

February 2026 Lunar Calendar: Phases and Phenomena

February 2026 began with a full moon on the 1st, followed by the waning phase. According to The Sky Live, the lunar calendar for the month unfolds as follows:

• Full Moon (Snow Moon): February 1
• Waning Moon: February 2–9
• Last Quarter: February 10–16
• New Moon and Solar Eclipse: February 17
• Waxing Moon: February 18–23
• First Quarter: February 24–28

These events form a dynamic astronomical landscape, providing multiple opportunities for observers in the United States to experience the richness of the night sky during 2026. The upcoming moon eclipse on March 3 undoubtedly represents the highlight of these lunar phenomena, cementing 2026 as a particularly notable year for astronomy.