Next Blood Moon Visible In US Set For March 2026
Next Blood Moon Visible In US Set For March 2026...
Skywatchers across the United States are searching for details about the next blood moon, with Google Trends data showing a surge in queries this week. The celestial event, which turns the moon a striking reddish hue during a total lunar eclipse, won’t occur again until March 14, 2026. The last blood moon visible in the US was in November 2022, sparking renewed public interest as the next one approaches.
The 2026 blood moon will be partially visible across all 50 states, with the best views expected in the western US. Totality — when the moon is fully eclipsed — will last approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes, according to NASA projections. Eclipse chasers are already marking calendars, as this will be the first blood moon in over three years.
Interest in the phenomenon spiked this week after a viral social media post mistakenly claimed an earlier date. Astronomical organizations, including the American Astronomical Society, have since clarified the timeline. Blood moons occur when Earth aligns directly between the sun and moon, casting a shadow that filters sunlight to create the red glow.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view without special equipment. The 2026 event will be one of only two total lunar eclipses visible in the US that decade, with the next occurring in December 2029. Public observatories and astronomy groups are preparing for increased attendance, as blood moons often draw crowds due to their dramatic visual impact.
For optimal viewing, experts recommend finding locations with minimal light pollution. The eclipse will begin around 10:57 PM EDT on March 13, 2026, reaching totality after midnight for East Coast observers. Western states will see the full eclipse earlier in the evening. NASA will livestream the event for those unable to view it locally.
