The night sky just put on a show-stopping performance, and if you missed it, you’re in for a treat. The 2026 total lunar eclipse has officially ended its totality phase, but the breathtaking images are just beginning to flood the internet. This celestial event, often dubbed a 'blood moon,' transformed the full moon into a dramatic crimson orb, leaving skywatchers across North America and beyond in awe. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: the first photos are already here, and they’re nothing short of mesmerizing.
As Earth’s shadow slowly crept across the lunar surface, photographers from America to Oceania captured both the partial and total phases of this stunning eclipse. And this is the part most people miss: the March full moon, also known as the Worm Moon, gets its name from the time of year when the ground softens, allowing earthworms and burrowing beetles to emerge—a subtle reminder of nature’s cycles mirrored in the sky.
One of the earliest images came from Mirko Harnisch and the Dunedin Astronomical Society in New Zealand. Their shot, taken during the partial eclipse phase, showcases the moon’s gradual darkening as Earth’s inner shadow began its journey across the lunar disk. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, photographer Ted Aljibe captured the moon rising over Manila, its lower half veiled by Earth’s shadow—a sight that perfectly blends urban life with cosmic wonder.
But here’s where it gets controversial: as the eclipse progressed, the dark basaltic plains of Mare Crisium (the Sea of Crisis) and Mare Fecunditatis (the Sea of Fertility) became visible, marking regions where ancient lava flows once shaped the moon’s surface. Does this make you wonder about the moon’s violent past and how it contrasts with its serene appearance tonight? Let us know in the comments.
From New Zealand to California, the totality phase revealed the moon bathed in the reddish hues of Earth’s filtered sunlight. Time and Date’s mobile observatory in Yucca Valley, California, captured the lunar seas darkening the crimson orb as it drifted silently behind our planet. Meanwhile, photographer Phil Walker snapped an impressive view from northern New Zealand, where the moon seemed to glow with the light of every sunrise and sunset on Earth.
If you’re craving more, our live blog (https://www.space.com/news/live/total-lunar-eclipse-blood-moon-march-3-2026-live-updates) has you covered, with real-time updates as Earth’s shadow continues its dance with the moon. The eclipse will officially end at 9:23 a.m. EST (14:23 GMT) when the penumbral shadow departs the lunar disk. But the real question is: did this event leave you inspired, or did it spark curiosity about what other cosmic wonders await us? Share your thoughts below.
Editor's Note: We want to see your photos! If you captured the March 3 blood moon eclipse, send your images, along with your comments, name, and location, to spacephotos@space.com. Let’s celebrate this celestial spectacle together.
Anthony Wood joined Space.com (https://www.space.com/) in April 2025, bringing his passion for the night sky, science, and human space exploration. He’s eagerly awaiting the day astronauts return to the moon—and judging by tonight’s display, who isn’t?
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