This month, the Full Moon will take place on March 7, 2023. Known as the Worm Moon, it raises many questions with its peculiar name. In today’s article, we’ll explain the meaning behind this Full Moon’s name and tell you the best time for observing it.
When is the Full Moon in March 2023?
This month, the Moon will reach its full phase at 12:40 GMT (7:40 a.m. EST) on March 7, 2023. The Full Moon will climb to the highest point in the sky around midnight local time. But our advice is to start observations just after the Moon rises fully above the horizon — at this time, it looks bigger than usual and appears orange in color.
How long does the Full Moon last?
The Full Moon time mentioned above is the time when the Moon and the Sun are aligned on opposite sides of the Earth, and our natural satellite is 100% illuminated by the Sun. But even after the Moon passes this moment, it appears as a complete circle in the sky to the unaided eye. So the timing, in this case, isn’t so important — you’ll see the full lunar disk on several nights around March 7.
March Moon phases 2023
Different Moon phases are good for different types of observations. The Full Moon shines the brightest, the New Moon, on the contrary, doesn’t obstruct the view of the stars, and the quarter phases are best to observe the Moon’s features through a telescope. So, here are the Moon phases in March 2023:
- Full Moon: March 7, 12:40 GMT (7:40 a.m. EST)
- Last Quarter: March 15, 02:08 GMT (March 14, 10:08 p.m. EDT)
- New Moon: March 21, 17:23 GMT (1:23 p.m. EDT)
- First Quarter: March 29, 02:32 GMT (March 28, 10:32 p.m. EDT)
What is the bright dot next to the Moon tonight?
During its full phase on March 7, the Moon will be located in the constellation Leo, close to the bright star Regulus. After that, it will move towards the constellation Virgo and come closest to the star Zaniah (magnitude 3.9) on March 9. On March 10, it will reach bright Spica (magnitude 1.0) and move on toward the constellation Libra.
You can learn what stars or planets the Moon meets right now with the help of the astronomy app Sky Tonight. Launch the app and point your device at the sky in the direction of your view. Then tap the big blue button to turn on the Augmented Reality mode, and you’ll see the sky map overlaid on the image from your device’s camera. To learn the name of an object in the sky, just tap on the corresponding dot on your screen. For a visual representation, watch our short video tutorial.
If you want to be aware of all the planets that will pass near the Moon this month, check out our monthly updated article. There we list all the upcoming planetary conjunctions with the Moon.
March Full Moon Name
What is a Worm Moon?
The Full Moons’ names reflect the peculiarities of the lunar months in which they occur. For example, in America and Europe, the Full Moon in March is called the Worm Moon because this month, the earthworms start to appear in the soil, which finally warms up after the cold winter season. By the way, worms attract robins and other birds, who are truly the sign of spring! Another “spring sign” that you’ll witness two weeks after the March Full Moon is the March equinox. Astronomically speaking, it marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is a Lenten Moon?
The last Full Moon before the spring equinox in the Anglo-Saxon tradition is called the Lenten Moon. This year, it’s the March Full Moon. The word “Lenten” originates in the Germanic languages and denotes springtime or “lengthening of the day”. The Christian Lent period before Easter and the Lenten Moon have the same roots.
March Full Moon alternative names
What about other parts of the world, besides America and Europe? Here are some examples of what the Full Moon in March is called in other cultures:
- Chinese: Sleepy Moon
- Celtic: Moon of Winds
- Wicca: Chaste Moon
- Cherokee: Windy Moon
- Southern Hemisphere: Harvest Moon, Corn Moon
Learn the names of the other Full Moons from our colorful infographic.
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon, known as the Pink Moon, will take place on April 6, 2023. We’ll explain the story behind this name and provide other useful information about it closer to the date.
When is the next Worm Moon?
The Worm Moon is a traditional name for the March Full Moon, so the next Full Worm Moon after March 7, 2023, will occur on March 25, 2024.
Bottom line
Now you know the connection between the Moon and worms and the best time to spot the Full Moon in March. Use the Sky Tonight app to find out when the Full Moon will rise in your location, and stay up-to-date with astronomy news by following us on social media.
We wish you clear skies and happy stargazing!
Text Credit: Vito Technology, Inc.
