The Stunning ‘Worm Moon’ Peaks This Week, Right Before Spring Equinox
The “Worm Moon” will shine brightly over Los Angeles this week!
Sophie Len - Staff Writer
Whether you’re an astronomy lover or in need of a gorgeous view, the last full moon, nicknamed “Worm Moon” will shine at its peak this Friday at midnight.
The end of winter arrives and lets in the Spring Equinox on March 20. Hence this full moon’s nickname. According to The Farmers Almanac, the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes wrote that the “Worm Moon” is in reference to larvae that “…begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts [during] this time.”
Spring is when the weather gets warm and our days get sunnier. All parts of nature begin to bloom, grow, and come back to life. It’s a symbol of renewal and a fresh start. What better way to say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new than with a celestial experience?
NASA states that folks on the West Coast can spot the full moon at its brightest point on March 18 at 12:18a.m PST. They also note, “The Moon will appear full for about 3 days around this time, from Wednesday night to Saturday morning.”
In the event that you miss this stunning full moon, fret not! There are still 9 full moons left this year. After March, the next stellar experience will be a “Pink Moon” occurring on April 16. In fact, 2022 has many astronomical experiences left. This includes two lunar eclipses occurring on May 16 and November 8. There are also two “supermoons” occurring on June 14 and July 13. According to NASA, “A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time the Moon is full.” This means that the moon will appear much larger than usual during that time!
It’s clear there are several galactic experiences in store for us. In the meantime, be sure to welcome in the LA spring and don’t forget to look up this week!