Home / Editor's Pick /

March astronomy outlook: Penumbral lunar eclipse to end the month

09:00 PM
March 3, 2024

March astronomy outlook
Penumbral lunar eclipse to end the month

Star gazing

After a relatively dull February, March brings some excitement with the spring equinox marking the start of astronomical spring plus a penumbral lunar eclipse.

DateEvent
March 10New Moon
March 20Spring equinox
March 24Mercury at Eastern Elongation
March 25Full Moon (Worm Moon)
March 25Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Following a new moon on March 10, the first major event of March is the spring equinox on March 19.

This marks the official start of astronomical spring at 11:06 p.m. ET at which time the Sun will shine directly on the equator. Resulting in almost identical periods of day and night across the world.

Meteorological vs astronomical springread more

For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the date signals the beginning of astronomical autumn.

A few days later on March 24 comes the best time to try to spot Mercury as it reaches its greatest eastern elongation. To find the planet, look towards the western skyline just after sunset, where it will reach an eastern elongation of 18.7 degrees from the Sun.

Closing out the month is the arrival of the Worm Moon, and a penumbral lunar eclipse.

Like all full moons, the Worm Moon on March 25 was named by Native American tribes who chose the name due to the timing of earthworms emerging from the ground as winter departed at this time of the year.

This year the Worm Moon is extra special thanks to a penumbral lunar eclipse. Unlike a full eclipse, a penumbral eclipse sees the Moon pass through the Earth's penumbra, this is the partial shadow of the planet.

As it does so, the Moon's surface will darken. It will be visible from the across the Western Hemisphere.

Planning a night under the stars? Don't forget to check the WeatherRadar before setting out to spot any of these events!

Weather & Radar USA editorial team
More on the topic
Perseid meteor shower and airglow above the Seemannskirche church in Prerow.
Sunday, August 10, 2025

Perseids flying overhead

Spot a meteor shower before its peak
On the left, a satellite image of a hurricane over the sea; on the right, a man in a clearance vehicle clearing debris and food in a flooded supermarket.
Friday, August 29, 2025

Twenty years ago today

Hurricane Katrina hit Gulf Coast
Derecho iowa
Monday, July 28, 2025

Stay severe weather-aware

What are derechos?
All weather news
This might also interest you
Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Daily Briefing

Cooler air sticks around for many
Summer lightning
Saturday, August 23, 2025

Great lightning show

Electrifying summer photos
Friday, August 22, 2025

Daily Briefing

Stormy central Plains and Midwest
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.com

instagramfacebookthreadsContact uslinkList
Privacy policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement