Full moon shines in UK as US blood moon sparks apocalypse fears after bible prophecy
The first full moon of spring rises in the UK this week while a blood moon – visible only overseas – will turn dramatic copper red as some suggest it might be a sign something ‘terrible’ is on its way
Some people think a blood moon could mean trouble ahead (Image: AP)
The first full Moon of the season has arrived just as meteorological spring commenced today (March 3). Fortunate stargazers across portions of the Americas, Asia, and Australia will witness it align with an extraordinary total lunar eclipse that could transform the Moon into a crimson spectacle (around 11:33 GMT).
The peak moment of complete fullness will be invisible throughout the UK as the Moon will have already dipped beneath the horizon, though it will appear entirely full during Monday and Tuesday nights.
Across certain regions globally, the full Moon will be observable as it experiences a total lunar eclipse, transforming into what’s termed a Blood Moon.
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and Moon, projecting a shadow across the Moon’s surface. Throughout this event, the Moon can adopt a rusty red hue, earning it the moniker Blood Moon.
Those best positioned to witness this spectacle include watchers across sections of North America, South America, East Asia, and Australia.
The complete eclipse begins at 11.04 GMT and ends at 12:02 GMT. It’s predicted that nearly one-third of the globe’s population will observe the total phase, reports the BBC.
Full Moons carry names rooted in ancient customs from before contemporary calendars existed. These were practical ways to track the shifting seasons, with names that typically connected to important seasonal happenings.
March’s full Moon goes by the Worm Moon, as it marks the time when earthworms start poking through the soil as temperatures rise during spring.
Earlier this week, we reported how the blood moon has sparked apocalypse fears online as internet sleuths dig out some choice pages of the Bible.
While the scientific community highlights the natural splendour of the blood moon, the event has also ignited apocalyptic theories on social media. Some users are speculating that this could be “the one mentioned in the Bible.”
One user wrote: “Do you guys think that this upcoming blood moon on March 3rd is the one that is in the Bible? Joel 2:31 I’m pretty sure.”
The cited verse states: “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.”
Joel 2:31 symbolises cosmic disturbances and divine judgement, often interpreted as a warning of imminent danger for the wicked and salvation for the righteous.
The blood moon has long been associated with biblical prophecy, frequently viewed as a sign of cosmic disruption or divine judgement.
Numerous passages in the Bible depict the moon turning red, indicating a significant event or divine intervention.
Key references include Joel 2:31, Acts 2:20, which mirrors the same imagery, and Revelation 6:12, which portrays the moon becoming like blood during apocalyptic occurrences.
Believers often interpret these verses as indications that a blood moon could signal a period of turmoil, judgement for the wicked, or deliverance for the faithful, lending the March eclipse an enhanced sense of spiritual importance.
Whether perceived as a scientific wonder or a divine portent, the blood moon on March 3 is set to mesmerise spectators and provoke discussion.
How to spot the Worm Moon in the UK
The Worm Moon will appear most spectacular when positioned nearest to the horizon during moonrise. You’ll want to gaze eastward at approximately these times:.
17:42 in London
17:44 in Edinburgh
17:48 in Cardiff
17:50 in Belfast
What does the weather hold for the full Moon?
Tuesday evening looks set to bring clear skies across many regions – ideal conditions for stargazing.
Should the weather prove disappointing this time around, the following full Moon will appear on 1 April with the Pink Moon, then the Flower Moon on 1 May.
May will also boast a second full Moon on May 31, dubbed a Blue Moon. This Blue Moon gets its name because witnessing two full Moons within one calendar month occurs just once every few years, spawning the phrase “once in a blue Moon.”
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