Elijah Williams
Astronomy fans can check out a unique Worm Moon this month, as March’s full moon rises during a penumbral lunar eclipse.
The March full moon will reach peak lighting at 1 a.m. ET Monday, but will appear full until Tuesday morning, according to NASA. Specific details from the Old Farmer’s Almanac moonrise times for different zip codes in the United States.
As the full moon rises late on the night of March 24 into the early morning hours of March 25, it will travel through Earth’s penumbra — the faint outer part of its shadow — creating a penumbral eclipse.
What is a penumbral eclipse and where will it be visible?
O penumbral eclipse it is one of three different types of lunar eclipses. There is also the total lunar eclipse and the partial lunar eclipse.
The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible for all of North and South America, according to NASA. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know what’s going on.
During the eclipse, the moon will dim slightly for a few hours at night. The moon will begin to enter Earth’s shadow at 12:53 pm ET. It will reach the point of greatest eclipse at 3:13 am, with 96% of the Moon in partial shadow. The moon will come out of the shadow at 5:32 am
Liu Debin/VCG via Getty Images
The next lunar eclipse, a partial eclipse, will occur on September 18. It will be visible in parts of the Americas, Europe and Africa. Astronomy fans won’t see a total lunar eclipse until March of next year.
Why is March’s full moon known as the Worm Moon?
Full moon names often come from seasons, historical harvests, and the behavior of certain animals. O “Worm Moon“The nickname may have come from the earthworms typically found as spring approaches, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The name may also refer to worms, or beetle larvae, emerging from the bark as trees thaw in winter .
The March full moon also has several other names referring to animals, including Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, and Volta Crow Moon. It is also known as the Sugar Moon, High Wind Moon and Sore Eyes Moon.
This year, the March full moon is also known as the Paschal Full Moon because it will be the first full moon of spring.
Look up – what else can you see in the sky this spring?
April will feature one of the most anticipated events of the year – April 8 Total solar eclipse. The month also includes the Lyrid meteor shower, which will peak between April 21 and 22. Shortly thereafter, April’s full moon, known as the Pink Moon, will reach peak illumination on April 23.
May’s full moon, the Flower Moon, reaches peak illumination on May 23.
