Home / Editor's Pick /

March astronomy outlook: Penumbral lunar eclipse to end the month

16:00
2 March 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 20.

This marks the official start of astronomical spring at 03:01 am 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. Unfortunately, the event will not be visible from the UK or Ireland but will put on a show across the Americas.

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

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Photo shows flooded street in Pakistan.
Wednesday 17 September 2025

Risk of epidemics

Pakistan suffers from monsoon
Split weather map of the UK and Ireland. On the left, rainfall radar shows widespread showers over much of Ireland, Wales, and northern England, with temperatures between 15–18°C; sunnier symbols appear in parts of Scotland and southern England. On the right, wind gust map highlights strong winds, peaking at around 40 mph in Dublin and Aberdeen, with 30–35 mph gusts in Cork and Cardiff, and lighter winds near 23 mph in London and Liverpool.
Wednesday 10 September 2025

Yet more rain and winds

Unsettled midweek weather
Weather map showing forecast temperatures for England and Wales on Wednesday 17 September and Friday 19 September. On Wednesday, most areas range between 17°C and 21°C, while by Friday temperatures rise, with London and Norwich reaching 24°C and many regions showing 21°C. The colour shading shifts from lighter to darker orange, indicating a general warming trend.
Wednesday 17 September 2025

Warm end to the week

Late summer interlude
All weather news
This might also interest you
Friday 15 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Split with cooler north, hot south
Monday 25 August 2025

Bank holiday outlook

Warm day turning gusty in places
Friday 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
All articles
Weather & Radar

www.weatherandradar.ie

facebooktwitteryouTubeContact uslinkList
Privacy Policy | Legal info | Accessibility statement