Missed seeing the Worm Moon or Worm Moon last night? Calm down, this phenomenon is still being seen at its peak tonight.
The Worm Moon has indeed started to be seen on Monday, March 6, 2023, but its full appearance will occur on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. No need to wait until midnight to see the Moon. If the weather is clear, the Moon will appear bright as it rises above the horizon.
Why Called Full Moon Worm Moon
In contrast to Indonesia, in western countries, the full moon phenomenon does have a unique name. Usually, the naming is based on the season of the full moon's appearance and its appearance, for example the Strawberry Moon, which appears during the strawberry harvest season and the full moon looks reddish.
Likewise with the Moon Worm. The term originates from the people of the Naudowessie (Dakota) Indian tribe and has been used by other Native American groups. Worm Moon, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, refers to the season when worms emerge from the ground after the spring rains.
Further research revealed another explanation for the Moon Worm's naming. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver visited the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes, and wrote that the name Moon Worm refers to a different type of worm (larvae beetle) which begins to emerge from the bark of trees where it burrows during the winter.
Another Full Moon Name in March
Besides Worm Moon, as quoted from Almanac.com, there are several other nicknames for the full moon in March, and all of them are related to the season that is coming in that month, namely:
Sugar Moon because it coincides with the season maple trees start to produce sap for maple syrup production
Lenten Moon, which is the name of the Anglo Saxon people which means Lent Month. Lenten comes from old German and means spring. The Lenten Moon also comes from the period before Easter or Christian Lent
Afternoon Eyes Moon, which is the season when the sun's glare is so dazzling and reflects the melting snow in late winter.