A full moon, known as the Worm Moon, will coincide with a total lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, though the spectacle will not be visible from Europe or Africa. The astronomical maximum of the full moon is expected at 12:37 Polish time, according to RMF24.
The term “Worm Moon” originates from the traditions of Indigenous peoples of North America, signifying the time when the ground begins to thaw and earthworms reappear, marking the beginning of spring. Other names for the March full moon include the Clear Moon and the Sap Moon, with the latter referencing the thawing of tree sap, according to TVN24.
The lunar eclipse will be fully visible in Asia, Australia, and the Americas. During the total phase, the moon may appear a dark reddish or orange hue, depending on the state of Earth’s atmosphere, Dziennik.pl reported. The eclipse’s magnitude is expected to be 1.1526, meaning the moon will be completely immersed in Earth’s shadow.
While the peak of the full moon occurs at midday, the moon will be prominently visible in the evening of March 2nd and 3rd, appearing nearly identical to its fullest state for several hours before and after the astronomical maximum, RMF24 noted.
The combination of a full moon and a total lunar eclipse is expected to influence emotions, potentially causing tension or disrupted sleep, according to some interpretations. Regardless of astrological beliefs, the event is seen as a time for emotional reflection and closure, Dziennik.pl stated.
The total phase of the eclipse could last nearly two hours, significantly longer than a solar eclipse, according to Dziennik.pl. However, observers in Europe and Africa will not be able to witness the event directly.
