Calling all night owls, stargazers, and horoscope lovers. Starting around midnight tonight, a lunar eclipse will reveal a “blood worm moon” in the Richmond sky.
What does “blood worm moon” mean?
A “worm moon” and “blood moon” are two separate celestial events overlapping, forming this interesting alter-ego nickname.
The “worm moon” represents March’s current full moon cycle and signifies the entrance of spring. However, many cultures observe different names for the unique moon, as seen in the Farmers’ Almanac.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon, Earth, and sun align, and the moon falls behind Earth’s shadow. Rather than absolving to darkness, sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, causing the moon to turn a rusty, red hue — “the glow of all of the sunrises and sunsets on Earth,” according to NASA Science.
Hence, a “blood worm moon.”
When can I see the eclipse in RVA?
Maximum totality is set for 2:58 a.m. in Richmond, but the entirety of the eclipse is observable from midnight tonight until 6 a.m. on Friday, March 14 — more details here.
Viewing events
Worm Moon Hike | March, 13 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Pocahontas State Park | $7 per vehicle | This ranger-guided hike doesn’t go into the late hours, but you can still catch a phenomenal viewing of the “worm moon.”
Dark Sky Night: Total Lunar Eclipse | March 14 | National Bridge State Park | 1:30-3:30 a.m. | $5+ | We know this is a bit of a drive for Richmonders, but imagine viewing the eclipse with ranger guidance, stargazing resources, and a quiet, open sky.
Other moon-scouting spots in RVA
Browns Island, 490 Tredegar Street
Libby Hill, 2801 East Franklin Street
Manchester Floodwall Walk, 101 Hull St
Oregon Hill Overlook, South Pine Street + Oregon Hill Parkway
