American Optical Launches Limited-Edition 'Blood Moon' Aviator Sunglasses

The iconic brand behind JFK's favorite shades celebrates the lunar eclipse with a special 999-pair release.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:50pm by Ben Kaplan

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American Optical, the brand behind the sunglasses worn by everyone from U.S. military pilots to Apollo 11 astronauts, has just launched a limited-edition 'Blood Moon' version of its classic Aviator style. Only 999 pairs of the Deep Wine-tinted lenses and matte black velvet frames are available, honoring the recent total lunar eclipse visible across North and South America.

Why it matters

The Original Pilot silhouette has a storied history, having been issued to space explorers across the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. This special 'Blood Moon' release pays tribute to the celestial event while celebrating American Optical's legacy as a pioneering American eyewear brand.

The details

The Blood Moon Aviators feature AOLite SunVogue nylon lenses etched with a minimalist moon illustration, matte black velvet frames representing the night sky, a starry-sky cleaning cloth, a gift box and case, and a certificate of authenticity. The sunglasses are unisex and priced at $265.

  • The total lunar eclipse occurred in the early hours of March 3, 2026.

The players

American Optical

An American eyewear brand with a history dating back to 1910, known for designing sunglasses worn by U.S. military pilots, astronauts, and iconic figures like JFK.

JFK

The 35th President of the United States, who was known to wear American Optical's Aviator sunglasses.

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The takeaway

The limited-edition Blood Moon Aviators from American Optical celebrate the brand's storied history and connection to space exploration, while also honoring the awe-inspiring celestial event that captivated skywatchers across the Americas.