Full Worm Moon and total lunar eclipse Tuesday Morning

Get up early Tuesday (March 3) to see March’s Full Worm Moon and a total lunar eclipse. During a total lunar eclipse, the earth passes between the sun and the full moon, causing the moon to slowly dim as it moves through earth’s shadow. Witness Tuesday’s rare celestial pairing of March’s Full Worm Moon coinciding with a total lunar eclipse, often referred to as a “Blood Moon.” 

During totality, the moon can take on a coppery red or orange glow. Totality should last from 5:04 to 6:02 Tuesday morning, with the greatest eclipse occurring at 5:33. The full moon should reach its peak illumination just minutes later, at 5:38. The event is completely safe to watch with the naked eye.

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the name is misleading. Bob Berman, astronomer at The Old Farmer’s Almanac, says, “Calling it a ‘Blood Moon’ makes it sound ominous, but there’s nothing supernatural about it.” He adds, “During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon doesn’t turn blood-red, it glows more orange and gold, colored by sunlight bent through Earth’s atmosphere.”

The March Full Moon has long been recognized as a seasonal turning point. Traditionally known as the Worm Moon, it coincides with lengthening days and the growing sense that winter is beginning to ease, an early signal that spring is approaching.

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