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 referred to as a 'blood moon,' turned the full moon into a dramatic crimson spectacle, and photographers across the globe were ready to capture its beauty.
But here's where it gets even more fascinating: while the totality phase may be over, the eclipse itself continues to unfold, leaving skywatchers in awe. From North America to Oceania, stunning visuals of both the partial and blood moon phases are already making waves online. And this is the part most people miss—the intricate details of how Earth’s shadow interacts with the lunar surface, revealing ancient lava seas and geological wonders.
One of the first captivating images comes from Mirko Harnisch and the Dunedin Astronomical Society in New Zealand. Their shot, taken during the partial eclipse phase, showcases the full moon just as Earth’s curved inner shadow began its slow dance across the lunar disk. This phase darkened the western lunar seas, creating a mesmerizing contrast between light and shadow. Fun fact: the March full moon is known as the Worm Moon, named for the time of year when the ground softens, allowing earthworms and burrowing beetles to emerge—a subtle reminder of nature’s cycles.
Photographer Ted Aljibe in Manila, Philippines, captured another stunning view as the moon rose over the city, its lower half veiled by Earth’s shadow. Meanwhile, Time and Date’s mobile observatory in Yucca Valley, California, offered a unique perspective of the blood moon, highlighting the darkening outlines of lunar seas like Mare Crisium (the Sea of Crisis) and Mare Fecunditatis (the Sea of Fertility). These regions, once flooded with liquid lava, tell a story of the moon’s ancient past.
But here’s a thought-provoking question: does the term 'blood moon' accurately reflect the science behind this phenomenon, or does it lean too heavily on mythology and emotion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
As the eclipse progressed into totality, Harnisch and his team captured another breathtaking image from New Zealand, where sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere bathed the moon in a deep red hue. This phenomenon, known as Rayleigh scattering, is the same process that gives sunsets their vibrant colors. Photographer Phil Walker also snapped an impressive view from northern New Zealand, showing the moon bathed in the combined light of every sunrise and sunset happening on Earth at that moment.
The eclipse will officially conclude at 9:23 a.m. EST (14:23 GMT) when Earth’s penumbral shadow completely leaves the lunar disk. If you’re eager to relive the event or catch up on what you missed, follow our live blog for real-time updates and milestones. And if you managed to capture your own photos of this blood moon, we’d love to see them! Share your images, along with your name and location, at spacephotos@space.com.
Controversial take: While many celebrate the beauty of a blood moon, some astronomers argue that the term overshadows the scientific significance of lunar eclipses. What do you think? Is it a poetic description or a distraction from the real science?
Anthony Wood, who joined Space.com in April 2025, brings his passion for the night sky, science, and human space exploration to every article. With contributions to outlets like IGN, New Atlas, and Gizmodo, he’s always looking forward to the day when astronauts return to the moon. Before you comment, don’t forget to confirm your public display name—we’d love to hear your thoughts on this celestial spectacle!
