Penumbral Eclipse | 03.25.2024
This morning’s prenumbral eclipse of a Worm Moon at 3:12 AM. A penumbral eclipse occurs when the outer shadow of the Earth (the penumbra) partially covers the Moon. Unlike partial or total eclipses, where the Moon enters the Earth's darker inner shadow (the umbra), penumbral eclipses are much more subtle because the Moon only passes through the outer part of Earth's shadow. This results in a slight darkening of the Moon's surface, often difficult to distinguish without careful observation. The subtle nature of penumbral eclipses is due to the fact that the penumbra is not as dense or dark as the umbra, resulting in less noticeable changes in the Moon's appearance.
The term "Worm Moon" refers to the full moon that occurs in March. It is named after the earthworms that tend to emerge from the soil as the ground begins to thaw and spring approaches in the Northern Hemisphere. This full moon marks the transition from winter to spring, signaling the awakening of the earth and the start of planting season for many agricultural societies. The name "Worm Moon" has its roots in traditional Native American and colonial American naming of moons based on seasonal changes and natural phenomena.
