How and when to see March’s full moon and 2024’s first lunar eclipse
The Worm Moon is heading our way – and it brings a surprise.
Earth’s natural satellite will once again illuminate the whole sky with its fully lit surface at the start of next week, as it does every month.
But this March, we’re in for a small surprise as we’ll also see the first lunar eclipse of the year.
And this one will be a penumbral lunar eclipse.
When is March’s full moon visible?
The Worm Moon will appear in the sky on Monday March 25, reaching its peak at 7am.
However, you may be able to see it take form on Sunday night.
A full moon is a phase of the Moon which happens when it is on the other side of the Earth to the Sun, meaning the side of the satellite facing our planet is fully lit.
Why is it known as a Worm Moon?
This full moon is the first since the Spring Equinox and marks the end of winter.
We take our moon names from Native Americans and it’s believed that March’s name comes from the little earthworms we might expect to see appearing from the soil.
Other names for March’s full moon include chaste moon, death moon, crust moon and sap moon – all related to the beginning of spring.
For some, the arrival of this moon phase signifies a time of new beginnings and optimism as we move into spring.
When is the lunar eclipse?
The Worm Moon also marks the first lunar eclipse of the year – just before North America will experience a solar eclipse on April 8.
For people in the UK, this lunar eclipse will be subtle, as the Moon will quietly slip into the Earth’s outer shadow, known as the penumbra.
However, the lunar eclipse has a pale shadow, and might not be that noticeable for people to gaze at.
Astronomy expert Professor Don Pollacco from the University of Warwick said: ‘In these cases, the darkening of the moon is usually quite difficult to spot, as some of the Moon is still being illuminated by the Sun.’
The penumbra is an outer part of Earth’s shadow where some light can reach – compared to the umbra, which is the inner part where no light can pass – so the Moon will still be fully visible during this eclipse.
Monday’s eclipse will be visible from parts of Antarctica, western half of Africa, western Europe, Atlantic Ocean, Americas, Pacific Ocean, Japan, and eastern half of Australia with 95.57% of the Moon immersed in Earth’s penumbral shadow.
Prof Pollacco said the shadow will move from left to right.
When is the next full moon?
April’s full moon will visit the night sky on 23 April, and it’s expected to take on a golden hue.
This moon is known as the Pink Moon as it coincides with a US wildflower blooming, known as moss pink.
To see the Moon, you’ll need no visual aid. All you have to do is look up.