The third full moon of 2024—the “Worm Moon”—will grace the early evening skies this coming week as it rises in the east just as the sun sets in the west.
As a bonus, a slight penumbral lunar eclipse will result for the night side of Earth, including North and South America, Europe, East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It’s direct evidence that an “eclipse season” is upon us, resulting in a stunning and rare total solar eclipse across North America on April 8, 2024.
Named the “Worm Moon”—but also the “Crow Moon” and the “Lenten Moon”—here’s everything you need to know about the rise of the full moon and the eclipse later that evening:
When Is The ‘Worm Moon Eclipse?’
The full moon will pass through Earth’s penumbra, its outer, fuzzy shadow, as the sun, Earth and the full moon are almost, but not entirely, aligned.
- In New York, the moon will begin to be eclipsed from 00:53 a.m. EDT until 05:32 a.m. EDT, with a maximum eclipse at 03:12 a.m. EDT.
- In London, the moon will begin to be eclipsed from 04:53 a.m. GMT until moonset at 06:01 a.m. GMT. Maximum eclipse will not be visible.
- In Los Angeles, the moon will be eclipsed from 9:53 p.m. PDT until 02:32 a.m. PDT, with maximum eclipse at 00:12 a.m. EDT.
The effect of a penumbral lunar eclipse will be to make the full moon appear dimmer. It will be exciting to observe, but arguably, just as beautiful a sight will be the full “Worm Moon” appearing on the eastern horizon at dusk.
When Is The Full ‘Worm Moon?’
The “Worm Moon” will turn full at 12:30 UTC/7:30 a.m. EST on Sunday, February 24, and the best time to watch it rise will be dusk later that day.
Best Time To See The ‘Worm Moon’ Rise
A full moon looks best when it appears on the eastern horizon just after the sun has set in the west. It will now look more prominent than usual and be a beautiful, muted orange. The best time to view it will be moonrise where you are on either Saturday, February 24 or Monday, March 25, depending on your location.
From North America this month, the full moon will rise closest to sunset on the day before the moon is illuminated, making moonrise Sunday, March 24, the best time to see it. For Europe, it’s Monday, March 25.
- In New York, sunset is at 7:12 p.m. EDT, and moonrise is at 6:49 p.m.EDT.
- In Los Angeles, sunset is at 7:07 p.m. PST, and moonrise is at 6:53 p.m. PST.
- In London, sunset is at 6:21 p.m. GMT, and moonrise is at 6:48 p.m. GMT (the moment of full moon is at 7:01 a.m. GMT).
When Is The Next Full Moon?
The next full moon after the “Worm Moon” will be the full “Pink Moon” at 23:48 UTC/7:48 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 23—the fourth full moon of 2024. It will mark the first day of the Jewish festival of Passover (Pesach).
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.