Introduction to the Blood Worm Moon
The first total lunar eclipse since 2022 is set to occur tonight, producing a phenomenon known as the "blood worm moon." This rare celestial event will be visible across most of North and South America, offering a unique opportunity for stargazers to witness a breathtaking spectacle.
What is a Blood Worm Moon?
Blood worms might be ugly fish bait, but the blood worm moon is a stunner. You can witness this rare celestial occurrence, which is part of a total lunar eclipse, tonight. The eclipse will start just before midnight, and the bloody hue will peak at 2:55 a.m. Friday morning. It will be the first total lunar eclipse since November, 2022.
The Science Behind the Eclipse
The “blood” part of tonight’s full moon comes from the total lunar eclipse that will occur across most of North and South America. The sun, earth and full moon will align, with the earth in the middle. As the full moon rises above the Atlantic (from South Florida’s point of view) it will travel into the earth’s shadow.
The moon will hit the outer shadow, the penumbra, at 11:56 p.m., and will start to enter the umbra, or inner shadow, at 1:09 a.m. Friday. As it reaches the center of the umbra, its color will shift to an orange red. Peak red will be at 2:55 a.m.
The Origin of the "Blood" and "Worm" Names
The reddish hue stems from the earth’s atmosphere warping the sun’s light as it passes through, sending blue light outward, away from the center, and bending red light inward toward the center. As a result, the moon passes through concentrated red light. And it’s bloody beautiful. The “worm” part of the equation is a nickname that comes from the Farmer’s Almanac, where each month’s moon has a different name, usually derived from Native American, Colonial American or European sources.
Historical Context and Future Eclipses
According to the Almanac, Captain Jonathan Carver, who visited the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes in the 1760s, wrote that the “worm moon” referred to beetle larvae that emerged from thawing tree bark in spring. The next total lunar eclipse in the Americas will occur on March 3, 2026, and the next one after that, June 26, 2029.
Weather Conditions for Viewing
As for the weather tonight, the National Weather Service says it’ll be partly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers before 3 a.m. Who knows, maybe a blood worm moon emerging from a veil of clouds could be even more beautiful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tonight’s blood worm moon is a rare and awe-inspiring event that should not be missed. With its unique combination of a total lunar eclipse and the earth’s atmospheric effects, it promises to be a breathtaking sight. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just a curious observer, this event is sure to leave you in wonder.
FAQs
- Q: What time will the eclipse start?
A: The eclipse will start just before midnight. - Q: What is the origin of the "worm" part of the blood worm moon?
A: The “worm” part of the equation is a nickname that comes from the Farmer’s Almanac, referring to beetle larvae that emerged from thawing tree bark in spring. - Q: When is the next total lunar eclipse in the Americas?
A: The next total lunar eclipse in the Americas will occur on March 3, 2026.
