Worm Moon to light up Singapore sky

SINGAPORE: It may not have the most appealing of names, but the Worm Moon is still set to beautify the night sky on Monday (Mar 25).

Although technically known as a micromoon - the opposite of a supermoon, according to a NASA guide to the night sky - it will still appear full and large to stargazers. 

In response to CNA queries, the Science Centre Observatory said the full moon in March is referred to as the Worm Moon because earthworms are thought to appear from hibernation as the ground thaws from winter, at the beginning of spring.

It is also the first full moon after the spring equinox, said Ms Mok Li Hui, the observatory's Manager of Informal Science Programmes. 

The NASA guide traces the unique name to southern tribes in the US. It added that in the western Christian ecclesiastical calendar, it is also known as the Paschal Moon, from which the date of Easter is calculated.

In other cultures or beliefs, it heralds the arrival of spring. 

Local astronomy hobbyist group Stargazing Singapore said that moonrise will be at 7.15pm, with the Worm Moon visible at the horizon by 7.30pm if the skies are clear. 

"March’s Full Moon is known as the Worm Moon because this was the time of year when the ground would begin to soften, and the earthworms would reappear. This Full Moon is also known as the Crow Moon, the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon, and the Lenten Moon," the group said in a Facebook post. 

CNA reader A Kannan captured photos of the moon on Sunday night and Monday morning, showing the celestial body framed by Housing Board blocks in Woodlands. 

The moonset on Monday morning was at about 6.50am, he said, adding that he expects moonset on Tuesday to be at about 7.30am. 

The images of the Worm Moon taken on Monday morning showed it at 99.9 per cent full, according to Mr Kannan.

He also advised moon enthusiasts to head to places with unobstructed views like East Coast, Changi Beach, Woodlands Waterfront or any high-rise building facing the East on Monday evening. 

For moonset the next morning, any vantage points facing West would be ideal.

While the Worm Moon also comes hand in hand with a penumbral eclipse for some in other countries, such as the US, it was not visible in Singapore. 

This is because it took place at 3.12am Eastern Time which is 3.12pm Singapore time, when the moon is not visible in the sky, said Ms Mok. 

"While we may not be able to witness the actual penumbral eclipse, the full moon that will light up the night sky is still a sight to behold so be sure to look skyward after sunset this evening," she added.