What Is A Blood Moon? | Total Lunar Eclipse In May 2022

The next Blood Moon will occur on March 3, 2026. A “Blood Moon” isn’t a special kind of eclipse—it’s a popular nickname. The term has inspired plenty of hype, folklore, and even end-times prophecies. Here’s what a Blood Moon really is, why the Moon can look red, and what the name does not mean.

What Is a Blood Moon?

A Blood Moon is a common name for the reddish Moon seen during a total lunar eclipse. It’s not an astronomy term—just a dramatic nickname that’s become popular in media and folklore.

In other words, “Blood Moon” describes how the Moon looks, not a different kind of eclipse. For a full, step-by-step explanation of how a total lunar eclipse works, see What Happens During a Total Lunar Eclipse.Read Next

• Myths and Superstitions about the Blood Moon
• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Friday: So What Is This, Anyway?
• Difference Between Total and Partial Solar Eclipse

The Blood Moon Prophecy Explained

Much of the fascination with Blood Moons comes not from astronomy, but from symbolism. During 2014–2015, some religious preachers predicted that a series of four total lunar eclipses— often called “Blood Moons”—signaled the beginning of the end times.

These claims drew on passages from the Book of Joel, as well as verses in Acts and Revelation that describe the Moon turning to blood.

The media hype was intense—but the world did not end.

The term “Blood Moon” has no special prophetic or scientific meaning. It simply refers to the reddish appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse.

Why the Moon Turns Red During a Lunar Eclipse

Despite the name, the Moon doesn’t actually look “bloody.” During a Blood Moon, it usually appears orange or coppery—more like a penny than anything red.

The exact color can vary from one eclipse to another, depending on conditions in Earth’s atmosphere, such as dust, smoke, or volcanic ash.

Although not as awe-inspiring as a total solar eclipse, a full eclipse of the Moon is still an amazing astronomical sight.

Blood Moon vs. Solar Eclipse: Don’t Mix Them Up

A Blood Moon is sometimes confused with a solar eclipse, but they’re very different events.

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, briefly blocking the Sun’s light. These eclipses are short, dramatic, and require proper eye protection to view safely. See the next total solar eclipse date.

A Blood Moon, on the other hand, occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye and can be enjoyed from anywhere it’s nighttime.

Why Lunar Eclipses Are Still Worth Watching

But lunar eclipses are different. When the Moon is 99% eclipsed, it’s quite fascinating. Nothing extra happens when the Moon plunges into the final one percent of Earth’s shadow. In fact, some might argue that 99% is more visually spectacular because there’s that one final spot of white on the Moon’s edge, which makes its overall coppery color more dramatic.

Bottom line: Totality is far less critical when it comes to lunar eclipses. And you may enjoy a lunar eclipse from anywhere on the planet where it’s nighttime!

→ See all of the upcoming solar and lunar eclipse dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Moon turn red during a Blood Moon?

Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere bends and scatters, filtering out blue light and allowing red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon—similar to the colors seen at sunset.

Is “Blood Moon” an official astronomy term?

No. Astronomers use the term total lunar eclipse. “Blood Moon” is a nickname popularized by media and folklore.

Does a Blood Moon mean something bad will happen?

No. Despite myths and prophecies, Blood Moons are natural, predictable events with no impact on Earth or human affairs.

Is it safe to watch a Blood Moon?

Yes! Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye—no special equipment required.

How often do Blood Moons occur?

Total lunar eclipses happen about once every 1 to 2 years, though visibility depends on where you are in the world.

What’s the difference between a Blood Moon and a solar eclipse?

A Blood Moon occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon blocks the Sun from Earth’s view.

Can everyone see a Blood Moon?

Only people on the nighttime side of Earth during the eclipse can see it, but no telescope or special equipment is needed.

A Blood Moon may sound mysterious or ominous, but it’s actually one of the sky’s most reliable and mesmerizing sights—a reminder that celestial events follow predictable, beautiful rhythms.