Prepare for the upcoming total lunar eclipse in March, also known as the “Blood Worm Moon,” which will give the moon a red appearance. The peak illumination of the full moon will occur at 2:55 a.m. ET on Friday, March 14. The eclipse will cause the moon to turn red on Thursday, March 13, depending on the time zone, as confirmed by NASA. This celestial event will be visible from the Western Hemisphere of Earth.
To catch a glimpse of the “Blood Worm Moon,” keep an eye out from Wednesday evening to Saturday morning, as it will appear full during this time frame. Detailed moonrise times for different U.S. ZIP codes can be found in the Old Farmer’s Almanac, while local forecasts will provide information on the clarity of the night sky in various regions.
The lunar eclipse leading to the red moon will commence on Thursday night at 11:57 p.m. EDT, with the moon entering Earth’s shadow. The dimming effect will become noticeable around 1:09 a.m. on Friday, reaching full shading from 2:26 a.m. to 3:31 a.m. The peak time to witness the red moon will be around 2:59 a.m.
North and South America will have the best views of the eclipse, although parts of Europe and Africa may also have the opportunity to witness it.
You can observe the lunar eclipse without any special equipment, although binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. For optimal viewing conditions, find a dark location away from bright lights.
During a total lunar eclipse, when the moon passes into Earth’s shadow due to the alignment of the sun, Earth, and moon, the moon appears red-orange. This reddish hue is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere and reaching the moon’s surface, creating the “Blood Moon” effect.
March’s full moon is also known as the Worm Moon, a name possibly inspired by the appearance of earthworms as spring approaches, as per the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Other names for the March full moon include the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, Crow Comes Back Moon, Sugar Moon, Wind Strong Moon, and Sore Eyes Moon.
