March’s full moon is set to rise over Ontario next month, bringing with it a rare and mesmerizing sight. As the moon reaches peak illumination, it will also undergo a total lunar eclipse, casting a deep red glow across the night sky!

RELATED: All the full moons in 2026 and when they will appear in Ontario

The Worm Moon follows February’s Snow Moon and is traditionally thought to be named after the earthworms that emerge from warming spring soil.

However, according to The Farmer’s Almanac, an alternate origin comes from the late 1700s when explorer Jonathan Carver suggested the name actually refers to larvae that emerge from tree bark and other winter hideouts during this time.

This full moon also signals the start of maple sap collection, a key marker of early spring in Canada.

Unlike a typical full moon, the Worm Moon will coincide with a Total Lunar Eclipse, creating a Blood Moon.

According to NASA, a Total Lunar Eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. The reddish hue of the Moon is caused by sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon’s surface.

The Worm Moon reaches peak illumination on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:38 a.m. ET, during the total eclipse.

Key eclipse phases

Penumbral eclipse begins — March 3, 3:44 a.m. The Earth’s faint outer shadow begins to touch the Moon.
Partial eclipse begins — March 3, 4:50 a.m.  A dark “bite” becomes visible as the Moon enters the umbra.
Total eclipse begins — March 3, 6:04 a.m. The Moon is completely inside Earth’s shadow, turning a reddish-orange or copper colour.
Maximum eclipse — March 3, 6:33 a.m. The Moon reaches its deepest point in the shadow.
Totality ends — March 3, 7:02 a.m. The Moon begins to emerge from the darkest part of the shadow.

The total lunar eclipse will take place between 3:44 a.m. and 9:22 a.m. EST, with totality lasting approximately 58 minutes.

According to Space.com, for the best viewing experience, individuals should find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon.

No special equipment is needed to watch this event. It is also worth watching the phenomenon about 75 minutes before totality, as the edge of Earth’s shadow slowly moves across the Moon’s surface.

The event will also be visible in Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and across parts of the Pacific. Viewing conditions will depend on local weather.

This will be the first and only total lunar eclipse of 2026. The next total lunar eclipse will not occur until New Year’s Eve in 2028.

For those tracking the moon phases, here is March’s full lunar schedule, according to The Farmer’s Almanac:

First Quarter – March 25 at 3:18 p.m.
Full Moon (Worm Moon) – March 3 at 6:38 a.m.
Last Quarter – March 11 at 5:38 a.m.
New Moon – March 18 at 9:23 p.m.

The Farmer’s Almanac also highlights the best days throughout the month based on the Moon’s phase and position:

For planting:

Aboveground crops – March 25 to 26
Belowground crops – March 7 to 8

For setting eggs

For fishing 

March 1 to 3, and March 18 to 31


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