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

The next “Blood Moon” will occur during the total lunar eclipse 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 or coppery 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

• Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Friday: So What Is This, Anyway?
• The Worm “Blood” Moon: March’s Full Moon in 2026
• Myths and Superstitions about the Blood Moon

The name Blood Moon drew a lot of attention back in 2014–2015, when there was a lunar tetrad—a rare occurrence of four consecutive total lunar eclipses at approximately 6-month intervals. Some organizations attached religious significance to this astronomical event—suggesting that it was a sign of the end times.

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

The Blood Moon Prophecy Explained

The term Blood Moon was attributed to statements in the Bible. 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.

• For example, the statement in Acts 2:20 reads, “The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the day of the Lord comes, that great and terrible Day.”
• The Blood Moon is also featured in Revelation to John in passage 6:12, which states: “When he had opened the sixth seal, there was a violent earthquake, and the sun went as black as sackcloth; the moon turned red as blood all over.”

The term Blood Moon has no special prophetic or scientific meaning.

Why the Moon Turns Red During a Lunar Eclipse

Despite the name, the Moon doesn’t usually look “bloody.” During totality, it often appears coppery, rust-colored, or orange-red. That glow happens because Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight before it reaches the lunar surface.

The exact shade 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.

→ 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.