Rare Worm Moon Penumbral Lunar Eclipse to Kickstart 2024 Eclipse Season

On Monday, March 25, skygazers across Earth, including North and South America, Europe, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, will witness a celestial spectacle as the full “Worm Moon” takes on a penumbral lunar eclipse.

The upcoming event marks the third full moon of 2024 and the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, known by various names such as the “Worm Moon,” the “Crow Moon,” and the “Lenten Moon.”

During this cosmic event, the moon will pass through the outer shadow of Earth, creating a subtle dimming as it interacts with the penumbra.

This penumbral lunar eclipse not only offers an intriguing astronomical display but also sets the stage for the upcoming total lunar eclipse just two weeks later that will be visible across North America.

Entering the first and most significant “eclipse season” of 2024, which features two eclipses – a lunar eclipse caused by Earth’s shadow and a solar eclipse due to the moon blocking the sun.

Eclipse seasons, occurring approximately every 173 days, bring about a brief period lasting between 31 and 37 days during which the moon’s path intersects, or nearly intersects, the ecliptic.

These seasonal occurrences pave the way for the occurrence of multiple solar and lunar eclipses in a condensed timeframe, presenting celestial enthusiasts with rare viewing opportunities.

In 2024, two eclipse seasons are anticipated, each hosting two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses.

Furthermore, lunar eclipses, such as the “Hunter’s Moon,” are at times narrowly missed during these eclipse seasons, as evidenced by the “almost lunar eclipse” expected to take place in November.

The unique mechanics of the moon’s orbital nodes, which are responsible for its tilted orbit relative to the ecliptic, dictate the infrequency of solar and lunar eclipses each month.

For a solar or lunar eclipse to happen, the alignment must be precise, with the moon crossing the ecliptic at the exact moment it reaches its new or full phase – a phenomenon that only occurs during eclipse seasons.

While partial solar or lunar eclipses, and penumbral lunar eclipses, may occur during these seasons when the alignment is slightly off, the ultimate spectacle of a total solar or lunar eclipse only happens when the timing is perfectly synchronized.

April 8, 2024, is poised to be an exceptional day for North America, highlighted by a total solar eclipse that will unveil the sun’s magnificent, spiky white corona against a darkened sky.

It is advised to exercise caution and wear proper eye protection, such as solar eclipse glasses, when observing any phase of a solar eclipse, while lunar eclipses are safe for direct viewing at all times.

The upcoming lunar and solar eclipse events promise breathtaking celestial displays and serve as a reminder of the intricate dance between the sun, Earth, and moon in our cosmic neighborhood.