A total lunar eclipse will be visible from Kansas soon. Why is it called a blood moon?
Kansas stargazers can catch a glimpse of a full “worm” moon this March, in addition to a total lunar eclipse, or “blood” moon.
The worm moon gets its name from the earthworms that spring to life and enrich the soil as the end of winter approaches, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. It’s also sometimes referred to as the “wind” moon.
Full moons have multiple names, and many come from Indigenous cultures. The almanac uses Indigenous moon names, along with monikers from colonial America and other North American sources.
March’s full moon will also bring a total lunar eclipse. A total lunar eclipse is also known as a “blood” moon because it makes the moon appear red, and it happens when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow. It will be the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
“It first appears to have a bite taken out of one side, but as maximum eclipse nears, the Moon transforms into a deep crimson orb. That red color comes from the ring of all the sunsets and sunrises you’d see encircling our planet if you were an astronaut on the lunar surface right then. Afterward, the eclipse plays out in reverse, with the red color fading, and the dark bite shrinking, until the Moon looks like its usual self again,” NASA’s website says.
The full moon will peak at 1:55 a.m. Central Daylight Time Friday, March 14. That’s after daylight saving time begins, at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 9.
The full portion of the lunar eclipse will begin at 1:36 a.m. March 14, the maximum will be at 1:58 a.m. and the full portion will end at 2:31 a.m., according to astronomy publication Space.com.
The sun will set at 7:35 p.m. Thursday, March 13, and rise at 7:41 a.m. the next morning in Wichita, according to online clock Time and Date.
Full moons in 2025
After the worm or blood moon, stargazers will have 10 more opportunities to see a full moon this year. Here’s when to look, from Astronomy.com:
Saturday, April 12: Pink moon
Monday, May 12: Flower moon
Wednesday, June 11: Strawberry moon
Thursday, July 10: Buck moon
Saturday, Aug. 9: Sturgeon moon
Sunday, Sept. 7: Corn moon
Monday, Oct. 6: Hunter’s moon (supermoon)
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Beaver moon (supermoon)
Thursday, Dec. 4: Cold moon (supermoon)
The Kansas Astronomical Observers will host its monthly meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at the Lake Afton Public Observatory. Visitors are welcome.
