March Full Moon 2026: See the blood moon lunar eclipse tonight
If you’re over the winter cold, March’s full moon is the first real sign that spring is finally closing in. Named the Worm Moon, a classic sign of early spring as the ground begins to thaw. But this month’s full moon is extra special: it coincides with a total lunar eclipse. This will turn the Moon a red color, making it a “Blood Moon”. So, if you're in North America, parts of Asia, Australia, or the Pacific, your full moon will look a little different this month.
Keep reading to find out more about this month’s full moon.
When is the March full moon?
March's full moon will occur on Tuesday, March 3. Time and Date estimates it will peak at 6:37 a.m. ET.
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What is the March full moon called?
Full moons all have different names, and March's Moon is known as the Worm Moon, according to Royal Museums Greenwich. This name comes from the little worm trails that start appearing as the ground thaws, marking the first signs of spring.
When is the next full moon?
In North America, the next full moon is predicted to take place on April 1.
What are the lunar phases?
The full moon is one of eight phases in the Moon’s roughly 29.5-day orbit around Earth. Each phase shows a different amount of the Moon’s surface lit by the Sun as seen from our perspective. Because we always see the same side of the Moon, the changing angle of sunlight makes it appear full, half-lit, or nearly dark at different points in its cycle.
The phases are:
New Moon — The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (so, we don't see anything).
Waxing Crescent — A small sliver of light appears on the right side
First Quarter — Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous — More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon — The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous — The moon starts losing light on the right side
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) — Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent — A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
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Lois Mackenzie is a freelance reporter at Mashable. Over the years she has written for many publications, covering everything from the local news to the best pair of running shoes. You can find bylines in publications including Fit&Well, Metro, and Coach magazine, usually covering deals on everything from earbuds to TVs, or guides on how to beat your half marathon time.
Lois also holds a Master's degree in Digital Journalism from Strathclyde University and obtained a Master of Arts in English Literature at the University of Aberdeen.
