A FULL ‘worm’ moon is expected to light up the night sky this Monday.
The ‘worm moon’ is the third full moon of 2024 and will reach peak brightness at 3:00 AM ET on Monday, March 25.
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Perhaps most notably, this full moon will move through Earth’s outer shadow, resulting in a “slight penumbral lunar eclipse,” Live Science reported.
This will happen between 12:53 and 5:32 AM ET and during the peak, more than 90% of the moon will be in the shadows.
This subtle sight can be viewed from North America, South America, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Stargazers won’t have the opportunity to watch another partial lunar eclipse until September 18.
WHAT IS A LUNAR ECLIPSE?
Lunar eclipses occur at the full moon phase when Earth is positioned between the Moon and Sun.
When this happens, the Earth’s shadow falls upon the surface of the Moon.
“That will make the full moon appear dimmer as an odd-looking shadow moves across its surface,” the publication explained.
Lunar eclipses typically last just a few hours and can be viewed from anywhere on the night side of Earth.
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Because they’re typically quite dim, it’s also possible to view lunar eclipses without eye protection.
What’s more, this slight lunar eclipse will happen exactly two weeks before the Great North American Solar Eclipse on April 8.
Historic Odysseus Moon lander laying on its side after tripping over own FEET
WHAT IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE?
A solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon when the Sun, blocked by the Moon, casts a shadow on the Earth.
This partial or total blockage can only happen when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up.
As the Sun’s rays are blocked, it gives people a chance to witness its fiery corona.
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WHY IS IT CALLED THE WORM MOON
The Farmer’s Almanac calls March’s full moon the Worm moon.
It’s believed that the worm moon got its name from the worms and battles that typically emerge when spring arrives.
Moon names in the Farmer’s Almanac often come from Native American tribes.
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The worm moon has also been called the sugar moon by Ojibwe tribes, per The Washington Post.
Meanwhile, other indigenous tribes have called March’s moon the crow moon.
