by Bryce McCabe, staff writer (Front Range Community College; Metro State University)

As Earth’s shadow fell across the Moon during the total lunar eclipse on March 3rd, 2026, a small amount of light was refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere to create the spectacle of known as a “blood moon.” March’s blood moon eclipse was the result of Earth’s shadow covering the moon mixed with a small amount of the Sun’s rays being refracted by our atmosphere to create rich, red hues.

The moon before the eclipse.

“The Maiden” PC | Bryce McCabe

A photo of the moon one quarter of the way through a lunar eclipse

“1/4” PC | Bryce McCabe

A photo of the moon half way through a lunar eclipse

“1/2” PC| Bryce McCabe

a photo of the moon three quarters of the way through a lunar eclipse, showing a crescent moon

“3/4” PC | Bryce McCabe

A photo of the moon almost at a full lunar eclipse, just a sliver of the moon remains

“Sliver” PC | Bryce McCabe

A photo of the moon turning red and transitioning into a "blood moon"

“Transforming” PC | Bryce McCabe

A photo of the full blood moon, the moon is illuminated redish orange

“She Looks Good in Red” PC | Bryce McCabe