The May 2026 "Flower Moon" will be a total lunar eclipse, creating a spectacular "Blood Moon" visible across the Americas.
- This full moon on May 2026 falls on May 25, reaching peak illumination at 12:53 AM EDT, and it will also be a total lunar eclipse. The moon will pass completely through Earth's dark umbral shadow, turning a deep red or coppery hue for about 85 minutes.
- Unlike a solar eclipse, this event is perfectly safe to view with the naked eye. You won't need special glasses—just clear skies for a stunning blood-red glow visible from North, Central, and South America, as well as parts of Western Europe and Africa.
- May's full moon is traditionally called the "Flower Moon" in Native American and Colonial folklore, named for the abundant spring blooms. The 2026 version will be especially significant due to the eclipse, making it a rare "Flower Blood Moon."
- For the best view, get at least one hour of eclipse-watching time before and after totality. The total eclipse phase lasts from approximately 11:11 PM ET on May 24 to 12:25 AM ET on May 25, with maximum red color around 11:48 PM ET.
- Astronomers note this is the first total lunar eclipse visible across the entire contiguous United States since November 2022. Plan ahead—cloud cover and city lights can block the view, so find a dark-sky location with an unobstructed southeastern horizon for the "Blood Moon" show.