SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – While we’re waiting for the full solar eclipse to happen next month, the moon will soon undergo its own eclipse.
As the full moon — known as the “Worm Moon” — occurs in the early morning hours of Monday, March 25, it will move into the faint, outer part of Earth’s shadow, or the penumbra.
This movement will cause a penumbral lunar eclipse. It’s not as dramatic as a full or partial lunar eclipse. NASA even warns that “if you don’t know this one is happening, you might miss it.”
During a penumbral eclipse, the moon becomes slightly dimmer. Alternatively, during a total lunar eclipse, when the move fully enters the Earth’s shadow, the moon becomes reddish. In a partial lunar eclipse, the moon is only partially in Earth’s shadow, and only part of it becomes red.
Monday’s penumbral eclipse will be visible throughout the U.S.
The moon will begin to touch the penumbra shortly before 1 a.m. ET Monday morning, according to Timeanddate.com. It will reach its maximum point around 3:12 a.m. ET when the moon reaches its closest point to the center of Earth’s shadow. Around 5:30 a.m. ET, the penumbral eclipse will come to an end.
You can find more information on what to look for and exact alignments near you here.
The solar eclipse will happen on Monday, April 8. Unlike the penumbral eclipse, only those along the path of totality will be able to see the celestial show.
