Will the clouds clear? Penumbral lunar eclipse early Monday

As many of the spring break festivities continue this weekend and next week, there is a celestial event you must add to your list. a penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible Sunday into Monday across the entire United States. Will the clouds allow you to view it? Let's discuss this.

The full moon is happening this weekend, and although not every time a full moon happens an eclipse occurs, every lunar eclipse does need a full moon. 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.

The Worm Moon is extra special this year thanks to a penumbral lunar eclipse. Unlike a full eclipse, a penumbral eclipse sees the Moon pass through the Earth's penumbra, which is the partial shadow of the planet. As it does so, the Moon's surface will darken. It will be visible from across much of the Western Hemisphere, including the entire United States.

A penumbral lunar eclipse is happening between 12:53 a.m. and 5:32 a.m. ET on Monday. At the maximum point, at 3:12 a.m. Eastern Time, the moon will turn a reddish color, an incredible view if the skies are cloud-free in your area. Much of the East Coast should have a clear view of the eclipse, but the Central Plains and Midwest will not be too lucky as the next storm system will be on the move Sunday into Monday. You can see a detailed clouds forecast for Sunday night in our WeatherRadar and while you wait for the eclipse to start you can use the forecast for the next 90 minutes for your city.

Don't forget to send us your lunar eclipse pictures, here.