Full Moon and Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3, 2026

On March 2, 2026, the Moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase, with 98% illumination, indicating it is nearly full. The Full Moon is expected on March 3, 2026, at 6:38 a.m. EST.

A total lunar eclipse, commonly referred to as a 'blood moon' due to the Moon's reddish hue during the event, is also anticipated on March 3, 2026. The totality phase is expected to last 58 minutes, with the full eclipse duration spanning approximately 5.5 hours, from 3:44 a.m. to 9:23 a.m. EST. Visibility will vary depending on location, with optimal viewing in parts of the U.S. Midwest and West.

Lunar phases result from the Moon's orbit around Earth, which takes about 29.5 days. During this cycle, the Moon moves through eight recognizable phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases are driven by the changing angles between the Earth, Moon, and Sun, affecting the amount of the Moon's surface illuminated as seen from Earth.