Indianapolis, January 7, 2026
In 2026, Indianapolis will have the unique opportunity to observe 13 full moons, including an extraordinary Blue Moon in May and a total lunar eclipse in March. This year will feature numerous celestial events that promise to captivate skywatchers, making it an exciting time for astronomy enthusiasts in the city. Residents are encouraged to enjoy these spectacular nights and make plans to witness the lunar eclipse for an unforgettable experience.
Indianapolis, Indiana: 13 Full Moons to Illuminate the 2026 Sky
In 2026, Indianapolis will experience 13 full moons, offering residents and skywatchers numerous opportunities to observe these celestial events. Notably, May will feature two full moons, including a rare Blue Moon, and March will showcase a total lunar eclipse.
Full Moon Schedule for 2026
The full moons in Indianapolis for 2026 are scheduled as follows:
- January 3 at 10:03 a.m. EST
- February 1 at 10:09 p.m. EST
- March 3 at 11:38 a.m. EST
- April 1 at 10:13 p.m. EST
- May 1 at 1:23 p.m. EST
- May 31 at 10:23 p.m. EST
- June 29 at 7:52 p.m. EST
- July 29 at 10:52 p.m. EST
- August 28 at 9:35 p.m. EST
- September 26 at 7:54 p.m. EST
- October 26 at 5:23 p.m. EST
- November 24 at 4:16 p.m. EST
- December 23 at 4:16 p.m. EST
Special Lunar Events in 2026
In addition to the regular full moons, 2026 will feature significant lunar events:
- Blue Moon: The second full moon in May, occurring on May 31, is termed a Blue Moon. This event is relatively rare, happening approximately once every 2.5 years.
- Total Lunar Eclipse: A total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026, during the Worm Moon. This eclipse will be visible in Indianapolis, offering a unique opportunity to observe the Moon turning a reddish hue.
Optimal Viewing Times
For the best viewing experience of the full moons and the lunar eclipse in Indianapolis, consider the following:
- Full Moons: The full moon will rise around sunset and set around sunrise the following day. Specific rise and set times vary each month; it’s advisable to consult a local astronomical calendar for precise timings.
- Lunar Eclipse: The totality phase of the lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will last approximately 58 minutes, from 11:04 a.m. to 11:33 a.m. EST. The partial phases will begin earlier and end later, so plan to observe the entire event for the full experience.
Background on Full Moons and Lunar Events
A full moon occurs when the Moon is opposite the Sun relative to Earth, fully illuminating its surface. Typically, there are 12 full moons in a year, but occasionally, a year will have 13, as in 2026. The term “Blue Moon” refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, a phenomenon that adds a special highlight to the lunar calendar.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can appear red, often referred to as a “Blood Moon.” These events are safe to observe with the naked eye and provide a captivating spectacle.
Conclusion
The year 2026 promises a rich array of lunar events for Indianapolis residents. From the regular full moons to the rare Blue Moon and the captivating total lunar eclipse, there are ample opportunities to engage with and appreciate the wonders of the night sky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the next full moon in Indianapolis?
The next full moon in Indianapolis is on January 3, 2026, at 10:03 a.m. EST.
What is a Blue Moon?
A Blue Moon refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, a phenomenon that occurs approximately once every 2.5 years. In 2026, the Blue Moon will occur on May 31.
When is the total lunar eclipse in 2026?
The total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026, during the Worm Moon. The totality phase will last from 11:04 a.m. to 11:33 a.m. EST in Indianapolis.
How often do we have 13 full moons in a year?
Typically, there are 12 full moons in a year. However, occasionally, a year will have 13 full moons, as in 2026. This extra full moon provides additional opportunities for skywatching.
What causes a lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon can appear red, often referred to as a “Blood Moon.” These events are safe to observe with the naked eye and provide a captivating spectacle.
Key Features of 2026 Lunar Events in Indianapolis
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| January 3 | Full Moon | First full moon of 2026, occurring at 10:03 a.m. EST. |
| February 1 | Full Moon | Second full moon of 2026, occurring at 10:09 p.m. EST. |
| March 3 | Total Lunar Eclipse | Visible in Indianapolis, with totality from 11:04 a.m. to 11:33 a.m. EST. |
| May 31 | Blue Moon | Second full moon in May, occurring at 10:23 p.m. EST. |
| June 29 | Full Moon | Full moon occurring at 7:52 p.m. EST. |
| July 29 | Full Moon | Full moon occurring at 10:52 p.m. EST. |
| August 28 | Full Moon | Full moon occurring at 9:35 p.m. EST. |
| September 26 | Full Moon | Full moon occurring at 7:54 p.m. EST. |
| October 26 | Full Moon | Full moon occurring at 5:23 p.m. EST. |
| November 24 | Full Moon | Full moon occurring at 4:16 p.m. EST. |
| December 23 | Full Moon | Full moon occurring at 4:16 p.m. EST. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
