Discover the Fascinating Details of March’s Full ‘Blood Worm Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse

Astronomy lovers, get ready! This March, we’ll witness a stunning total lunar eclipse that’ll make the full moon look red. The event, known as the Worm Moon, will happen on the night of March 13 or early on March 14, depending on where you are. This spectacular sight will be visible in the Western Hemisphere.

If you want to know the exact moonrise times for your area, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has you covered. You can also check local weather forecasts to see how clear the skies will be for viewing.

So, what exactly is a lunar eclipse? It occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly, causing the moon to slip into the Earth’s shadow. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon enters the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. And here’s a fun fact: half of the Earth can see a lunar eclipse!

Besides total eclipses, there are partial and penumbral eclipses, which happen when the alignment is not perfect.

You might be wondering why the moon turns a reddish color during an eclipse. When the moon is shadowed by the Earth, it can appear a stunning red-orange, earning the nickname “blood moon.” This happens because sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, reaching the moon. If there are more dust and clouds in the atmosphere during the eclipse, the moon will look even redder. It’s almost like all the sunrises and sunsets from around the world are shining on the moon!

Now, why is this full moon called the Worm Moon? The name may come from the earthworms that surface as spring approaches. Historical writings from the 1760s also mention worms or beetle larvae coming out from under tree bark as winter thaws. This time of year signals the change from winter to spring, with the first day of spring arriving on March 20, just a few days after the Worm Moon. Other names for March’s full moon include the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, and Wind Strong Moon.

As you enjoy the Blood Worm Moon, keep an eye out for a possible moonbow if it rains. A moonbow is similar to a rainbow but created by moonlight. It usually occurs when the full moon is low in the sky, making it more visible in the hours after sunset. Don’t forget to check out the western sky that night, where you might spot the planets Jupiter and Mars. Thanks to the dimmer moonlight during the eclipse, constellations could be easier to see as well.

Check out this related article: SpaceX to Launch NASA’s SPHEREx and PUNCH Spacecraft on Falcon 9: Exciting Insights from Vandenberg Launch!

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Lunar, Moon