March Full Moon: How To Watch 2022's Worm Moon

ACROSS AMERICA — Spring is almost here, but you can still catch a glimpse of the last full moon of winter this weekend as it glows in the night sky.

The March full moon — also known as the worm moon — reached its peak early Friday, just two days before the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. If you weren't able to catch it, it will still appear full through Saturday morning, according to Space.com.

This March full moon will look especially when it’s near the horizon because of the"Moon illusion," according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. In other words, the moon appears to look bigger when it's near objects like buildings and trees than it does high in the sky without any comparative objects.

Why is it called a worm moon?

According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, many believed the name referred to the earthworms that appear as soil warms in spring. However, more research revealed that some Native American tribes called it the Worm Moon because of a different sort of "worm" — the beetle larvae that emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.

There are quite a few names for the March full moon to symbolize its proximity to the first day of spring. Some refer to the appearance or reappearance of certain animals, such as the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, or Crow Comes Back Moon.

Other names — such as the Sugar Moon, Wind Strong Moon and Sore Eyes Moon — refer to signs of the season, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac.

March’s full moon also plays a role in religion. In Christianity, this moon is known as the Lenten Moon if it's the last full moon of the winter season or as the Paschal Full Moon if it is the first full moon of spring.

If you're hoping to snap a good photo of the March full moon, Space.com has a helpful guide on how to photograph the moon.

If you miss this moon, don't worry — the April full moon, also known as the Pink Moon, will rise the night of Saturday, April 16.