In which phase is the Moon during a total lunar eclipse?

During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is in the Full Moon phase. This occurs because a lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth is positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. In this alignment, the Earth casts its shadow onto the Moon, resulting in the Moon being completely obscured from direct sunlight.

Only during the Full Moon phase can the Moon be on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun, allowing for this alignment necessary for the eclipse to happen. This is why the Moon appears red or changing color during a total lunar eclipse, as the sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere bends and filters light, creating the striking visual effect often referred to as a "Blood Moon."