The Worm Moon follows February\u2019s Snow Moon and is traditionally thought to be named after the earthworms that emerge from warming spring soil.<\/p>\n
However, according to The Farmer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
This full moon also signals the start of maple sap collection, a key marker of early spring in Canada.<\/p>\n
Unlike a typical full moon, the Worm Moon will coincide with a Total Lunar Eclipse, creating a Blood Moon.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s atmosphere before reaching the Moon\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n
The Worm Moon reaches peak illumination on the morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 6:38 a.m. ET, during the total eclipse.<\/p>\n
Key eclipse phases<\/p>\n
Penumbral eclipse begins \u2014 March 3, 3:44 a.m. The Earth\u2019s faint outer shadow begins to touch the Moon.
\nPartial eclipse begins \u2014 March 3, 4:50 a.m.\u00a0 A dark \u201cbite\u201d becomes visible as the Moon enters the umbra.
\nTotal eclipse begins \u2014 March 3, 6:04 a.m. The Moon is completely inside Earth\u2019s shadow, turning a reddish-orange or copper colour.
\nMaximum eclipse \u2014 March 3, 6:33 a.m. The Moon reaches its deepest point in the shadow.
\nTotality ends \u2014 March 3, 7:02 a.m. The Moon begins to emerge from the darkest part of the shadow.<\/p>\n
The total lunar eclipse will take place between 3:44 a.m. and 9:22 a.m. EST, with totality lasting approximately 58 minutes.<\/p>\n
According to Space.com, for the best viewing experience, individuals should find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s shadow slowly moves across the Moon\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This will be the first and only total lunar eclipse of 2026. The next total lunar eclipse will not occur until New Year\u2019s Eve in 2028.<\/p>\n
For those tracking the moon phases, here is March\u2019s full lunar schedule, according to The Farmer\u2019s Almanac:<\/p>\n
First Quarter \u2013 March 25 at 3:18 p.m.
\nFull Moon (Worm Moon) \u2013 March 3 at 6:38 a.m.
\nLast Quarter \u2013 March 11 at 5:38 a.m.
\nNew Moon \u2013 March 18 at 9:23 p.m.<\/p>\n
The Farmer\u2019s Almanac also highlights the best days throughout the month based on the Moon\u2019s phase and position:<\/p>\n
For planting:<\/p>\n
Aboveground crops \u2013 March 25 to 26
\nBelowground crops \u2013 March 7 to 8<\/p>\n
For setting eggs <\/p>\n
For fishing\u00a0<\/p>\n
March 1 to 3, and March 18 to 31<\/p>\n