People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view.

As per reports, the worm-like phenomenon was spotted hanging in the sky across various parts of Oxfordshire on Tuesday.

The “bizarre” cloud was speculated as a wormhole, an alien invasion or the result of experiments being conducted at the Harwell science campus by Facebook users.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Oxfordshire: Mystery cloud lit by worm moon thrills skywatchers <a href="https://t.co/N7doGCUYXv">https://t.co/N7doGCUYXv</a>
— David Papp (@DavidPapp) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidPapp/status/1633521939598942208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meteorological consultant Jim Dale said that the 'eerily cool' cloud was probably formed in the sky due to combustion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-why-is-it-called-worm-moon-and-the-period-of-manifesting-your-dreams-568999">EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams</a>

Dale, who works for British Weather Services, said that water vapour created from an artificial source, like a rocket, would have quickly crystallised in the cold weather and appeared hung in the sky.

He stated that the clouds do not resemble any natural cloud formation he is aware of and also acknowledged that "nature... has a funny way of presenting itself sometimes and it can come up with wonderful and weird things”.

"Not that there's any rocket launch pads in Abingdon, I don't think. It's either a mini-tornado that looks a bit freakish or we've got a... rocket. It's hanging in the air still, quite literally,” he added.

WATCH | Starlings create murmuration over the UK sky I WION Shorts

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/starlings-create-murmuration-over-the-uk-sky-i-wion-shorts-568264/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cassandra Russell, who had clicked a photograph of the cloud from Southmoor, stated it was "the vapour trail of a plane" that she was continuously watching.

She added that it started as a "thin line across the moon" and slowly grew to the size which can be seen in the pictures. Debra Newman, a resident of Abingdon, said that the phenomenon was spotted by her children who were convinced that aliens had landed.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view.

People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view. As per reports, the worm-like phenomenon was spotted hanging in the sky across various parts of Oxfordshire on Tuesday. The “bizarre” cloud was speculated as a wormhole, an alien invasion or the result of experiments being conducted at the Harwell science campus by Facebook users. Oxfordshire: Mystery cloud lit by worm moon thrills skywatchers https://t.co/N7doGCUYXv — David Papp (@DavidPapp) March 8, 2023 × Meteorological consultant Jim Dale said that the 'eerily cool' cloud was probably formed in the sky due to combustion. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams Dale, who works for British Weather Services, said that water vapour created from an artificial source, like a rocket, would have quickly crystallised in the cold weather and appeared hung in the sky. He stated that the clouds do not resemble any natural cloud formation he is aware of and also acknowledged that "nature... has a funny way of presenting itself sometimes and it can come up with wonderful and weird things”. "Not that there's any rocket launch pads in Abingdon, I don't think. It's either a mini-tornado that looks a bit freakish or we've got a... rocket. It's hanging in the air still, quite literally,” he added. WATCH | Starlings create murmuration over the UK sky I WION Shorts Cassandra Russell, who had clicked a photograph of the cloud from Southmoor, stated it was "the vapour trail of a plane" that she was continuously watching. She added that it started as a "thin line across the moon" and slowly grew to the size which can be seen in the pictures. Debra Newman, a resident of Abingdon, said that the phenomenon was spotted by her children who were convinced that aliens had landed. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK: 'Eerily cool' cloud illuminated by worm moon leaves skywatchers thrilled

The full moon for the month of March is set to rise in the sky on March 7. It is the final full moon of the winter season and will shine bright and full on two nights - March 6 and March 7, although it has been lighting up the night sky for a few days and will continue to do so for a few more after March 7. Called the Worm&nbsp;Moon, it will reach its peak illumination at 6:30 pm IST on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Why is it called Worm Moon?

All the full moons in the year are named after weather events that occur during the same time. According to The Farmer's Almanac, around the time the Worm Moon rises, the winter season is subsiding in the Northern hemisphere and the ground begins to thaw, leading the earthworms to come out of the ground.&nbsp;

"The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon," the almanac said. "Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred."

"At this time of the year, the ground begins to soften enough for earthworms to reappear, inviting robins and other birds to feed – a true sign of spring. Roots start to push their way up through the soil, and the Earth experiences a re-birth as it awakens from its winter slumber."

March's full moon is also known as Sap Moon since this is normally the time when the sap of sugar maples starts to flow. According to NASA, March's Full Moon is also known as the crow, crust, and sugar moon.&nbsp;

The Old Farmers' Almanac refers to another type of worm in reference to the worm moon name. It talks of the beetle larvae as they also start emerging from barks of trees and other such places that have frozen during the winter and are now melting.&nbsp;

Will it be a Supermoon?

March's full moon is not a supermoon since supermoons happen when the moon is at the closest point in its orbit around the Earth, also known as the perigee. The moon reaches the perigee several times a year and this is when we have a supermoon.

The year 2023 will see four supermoons, with the first one occurring on July 3, the second on August 1, the third on August 31, and the fourth on September 29, 2023.&nbsp;The August supermoon will be a Blue Moon.&nbsp;

 
Full Moon and festivals - Lenten Moon, Holi &amp; more

The Full Moon this time of the year coincides with several festivals celebrated by different religious groups. The Worm Moon in Europe is called the Lenten Moon, the fasting period before Easter since they both happen at the same time.&nbsp;

The Jews celebrate Purim during this time, which marks the salvation of the Jewish people after they escaped a plot to kill them all in ancient Persia.&nbsp;

In India, especially in northern India, the festival of Holi will be celebrated during the Worm Moon. The festival of colours,&nbsp;falling on March 8 this time, celebrates the victory of good over evil. People light bonfires the night before and the next day they play with colours.&nbsp;

Buddhists celebrate the festival Māgha Pūjā in countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The festival marks an ancient gathering of Buddha with his disciples.&nbsp;

When do Full Moons occur?

Full moons happen when the moon and the sun lie on opposite sides of the Earth. Since the moon's dayside fully faces the Earth, it appears full and bright to us on Earth. The moonrise happens a little later in the Southern Hemisphere since it is still summer there and the days are longer.&nbsp;

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will happen on&nbsp;April 5. It is also called the Pink Moon since this is the time when&nbsp;pink wildflowers begin to bloom in parts of North America. It is also known as Breaking Ice Moon, Budding Moon and Awakening Moon. The full moon after that will take place on May 5 and is known as Flower Moon, also because of the fact that flowers are blooming in most places at this time of the year.

Full Moon manifestation

Many people see the full moon as a time with magical energy and use it to manifest their dreams and wishes through certain manifestation practices.&nbsp;There is the Sacred Full Moon Manifestation Ritual, in which you use the five senses - smell, taste, touch, sight and sound, to cleanse the area around you in different ways and create a peaceful environment and high energy. Light up incense or a soothing essential oil, play some soothing music and collect items that hold meaning for you. Write down everything you wish for in a journal and touch the words and imagine them coming to life. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The full moon for the month of March is set to rise in the sky on March 7. It is the final full moon of the winter season and will shine bright and full on two nights - March 6 and March 7, although it has been lighting up the night sky for a few days and will continue to do so for a few more after March 7.

The full moon for the month of March is set to rise in the sky on March 7. It is the final full moon of the winter season and will shine bright and full on two nights - March 6 and March 7, although it has been lighting up the night sky for a few days and will continue to do so for a few more after March 7. Called the Worm Moon, it will reach its peak illumination at 6:30 pm IST on Tuesday. Why is it called Worm Moon? All the full moons in the year are named after weather events that occur during the same time. According to The Farmer's Almanac, around the time the Worm Moon rises, the winter season is subsiding in the Northern hemisphere and the ground begins to thaw, leading the earthworms to come out of the ground. "The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon," the almanac said. "Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred." "At this time of the year, the ground begins to soften enough for earthworms to reappear, inviting robins and other birds to feed – a true sign of spring. Roots start to push their way up through the soil, and the Earth experiences a re-birth as it awakens from its winter slumber." March's full moon is also known as Sap Moon since this is normally the time when the sap of sugar maples starts to flow. According to NASA, March's Full Moon is also known as the crow, crust, and sugar moon. The Old Farmers' Almanac refers to another type of worm in reference to the worm moon name. It talks of the beetle larvae as they also start emerging from barks of trees and other such places that have frozen during the winter and are now melting. Will it be a Supermoon? March's full moon is not a supermoon since supermoons happen when the moon is at the closest point in its orbit around the Earth, also known as the perigee. The moon reaches the perigee several times a year and this is when we have a supermoon. The year 2023 will see four supermoons, with the first one occurring on July 3, the second on August 1, the third on August 31, and the fourth on September 29, 2023. The August supermoon will be a Blue Moon. Full Moon and festivals - Lenten Moon, Holi & more The Full Moon this time of the year coincides with several festivals celebrated by different religious groups. The Worm Moon in Europe is called the Lenten Moon, the fasting period before Easter since they both happen at the same time. The Jews celebrate Purim during this time, which marks the salvation of the Jewish people after they escaped a plot to kill them all in ancient Persia. In India, especially in northern India, the festival of Holi will be celebrated during the Worm Moon. The festival of colours, falling on March 8 this time, celebrates the victory of good over evil. People light bonfires the night before and the next day they play with colours. Buddhists celebrate the festival Māgha Pūjā in countries like Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Sri Lanka. The festival marks an ancient gathering of Buddha with his disciples. When do Full Moons occur? Full moons happen when the moon and the sun lie on opposite sides of the Earth. Since the moon's dayside fully faces the Earth, it appears full and bright to us on Earth. The moonrise happens a little later in the Southern Hemisphere since it is still summer there and the days are longer. When is the next Full Moon? The next Full Moon will happen on April 5. It is also called the Pink Moon since this is the time when pink wildflowers begin to bloom in parts of North America. It is also known as Breaking Ice Moon, Budding Moon and Awakening Moon. The full moon after that will take place on May 5 and is known as Flower Moon, also because of the fact that flowers are blooming in most places at this time of the year. Full Moon manifestation Many people see the full moon as a time with magical energy and use it to manifest their dreams and wishes through certain manifestation practices. There is the Sacred Full Moon Manifestation Ritual, in which you use the five senses - smell, taste, touch, sight and sound, to cleanse the area around you in different ways and create a peaceful environment and high energy. Light up incense or a soothing essential oil, play some soothing music and collect items that hold meaning for you. Write down everything you wish for in a journal and touch the words and imagine them coming to life. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams

Dear skygazers, get ready to witness the great ball of light today in the sky. A full Moon or worm Moon will appear today (March 7) worldwide. But what’s a worm Moon, you might ask. The last full Moon of the winter season is called the worm Moon. It marks the beginning of the spring season and calls on humanity to come out of the winter slumber. Here is when you can witness the captivating sight of the worm Moon today in your country.

<h2>Spiritual meaning of worm Moon</h2>

Worm Moon is not just the last full Moon of the winter season. It holds great spiritual importance. It’s the time when positive energy overflows, soil’s fertility is at its peak and earthworms reappear on the earth’s surface. Naturally, it becomes the most productive time of the year. So, it’s the time when you can strive to realise your dreams.

<h2>Worm Moon timings: When is the best time to see the worm Moon?</h2>

In India, Worm Moon can be spotted on Tuesday evening, March 7th. The moon will be the brightest at 6:30 PM IST.&nbsp;

In USA, Worm Moon will be visible at 7:40 AM EST on March 7th.&nbsp;

In UK, the phenomenon can be observed at 12:40 PM GMT on Tuesday.

In UK, USA, India, Australia and New Zealand, the Moon will appear larger and much brighter than the normal days. It must be noted that the worm Moon will be visible in US for three consecutive nights starting from March 7. However, the size of the Moon will keep getting debilitated.

<table style="border-collapse:collapse; width:261pt; box-sizing:inherit; border-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); border-image:initial; border-spacing:0px; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; orphans:2; text-align:start; widows:2; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial; border:none" width="347">
	<colgroup>
		<col style="width:59pt" width="79" />
		<col style="width:107pt" width="142" />
		<col style="width:95pt" width="126" />
	</colgroup>
	<tbody>
		<tr height="20" style="height:15.0pt; box-sizing:inherit">
			<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; height:15.0pt; width:59pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="79">Date</td>
			<td class="xl63" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-left:none; width:107pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="142">Country</td>
			<td class="xl63" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-left:none; width:95pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="126">Timing</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20" style="height:15.0pt; box-sizing:inherit">
			<td align="right" class="xl64" height="20" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; height:15.0pt; border-top:none; width:59pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="79">07-Mar-23</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:107pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="142">United States</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:95pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="126">at 07:40 AM (EST)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20" style="height:15.0pt; box-sizing:inherit">
			<td align="right" class="xl64" height="20" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; height:15.0pt; border-top:none; width:59pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="79">07-Mar-23</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:107pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="142">United Kingdom</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:95pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="126">at 12:40 PM (GMT)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20" style="height:15.0pt; box-sizing:inherit">
			<td align="right" class="xl64" height="20" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; height:15.0pt; border-top:none; width:59pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="79">07-Mar-23</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:107pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="142">India</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:95pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="126">at 06:10 PM (IST)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20" style="height:15.0pt; box-sizing:inherit">
			<td align="right" class="xl64" height="20" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; height:15.0pt; border-top:none; width:59pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="79">07-Mar-23</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:107pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="142">Australia</td>
			<td class="xl65" style="border:0.5pt solid windowtext; background:white; border-top:none; border-left:none; width:95pt; padding-bottom:.5em; padding-top:.5em; white-space:normal; padding-right:1px; padding-left:1px; vertical-align:bottom" width="126">at 11:40 PM</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<h2>List of full Moons in 2023</h2>

<ol>
	<li>April 6: Pink moon</li>
	<li>May 5: Flower moon</li>
	<li>June 3: Strawberry moon</li>
	<li>July 3: Buck moon</li>
	<li>August 1: Sturgeon moon</li>
	<li>August 30: Blue moon</li>
	<li>September 29: Harvest moon</li>
	<li>October 28: Hunter’s moon</li>
	<li>November 27: Beaver moon</li>
	<li>December 26: Cold moon</li>
</ol>

<h2>Worm Moon to share the sky with Jupiter and Venus</h2>

As per Space.com, the Worm Moon this year will share the stage with Jupiter and Venus on Tuesday night. Every time the moon is on the other side of the Earth from the Sun, a full moon occurs. The timing of the full moon varies on one's time zone because we measure full moons when the moon is 180 degrees around the celestial sphere from where the sun is.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-why-is-it-called-worm-moon-and-the-period-of-manifesting-your-dreams-568999">EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams</a>

Dear skygazers, get ready to witness the great ball of light today in the sky. A full Moon or worm Moon will appear today (March 7) worldwide. But what’s a worm Moon, you might ask.

Dear skygazers, get ready to witness the great ball of light today in the sky. A full Moon or worm Moon will appear today (March 7) worldwide. But what’s a worm Moon, you might ask. The last full Moon of the winter season is called the worm Moon. It marks the beginning of the spring season and calls on humanity to come out of the winter slumber. Here is when you can witness the captivating sight of the worm Moon today in your country. Spiritual meaning of worm Moon Worm Moon is not just the last full Moon of the winter season. It holds great spiritual importance. It’s the time when positive energy overflows, soil’s fertility is at its peak and earthworms reappear on the earth’s surface. Naturally, it becomes the most productive time of the year. So, it’s the time when you can strive to realise your dreams. Worm Moon timings: When is the best time to see the worm Moon? In India, Worm Moon can be spotted on Tuesday evening, March 7th. The moon will be the brightest at 6:30 PM IST. In USA, Worm Moon will be visible at 7:40 AM EST on March 7th. In UK, the phenomenon can be observed at 12:40 PM GMT on Tuesday. In UK, USA, India, Australia and New Zealand, the Moon will appear larger and much brighter than the normal days. It must be noted that the worm Moon will be visible in US for three consecutive nights starting from March 7. However, the size of the Moon will keep getting debilitated. Date Country Timing 07-Mar-23 United States at 07:40 AM (EST) 07-Mar-23 United Kingdom at 12:40 PM (GMT) 07-Mar-23 India at 06:10 PM (IST) 07-Mar-23 Australia at 11:40 PM List of full Moons in 2023 April 6: Pink moon May 5: Flower moon June 3: Strawberry moon July 3: Buck moon August 1: Sturgeon moon August 30: Blue moon September 29: Harvest moon October 28: Hunter’s moon November 27: Beaver moon December 26: Cold moon Worm Moon to share the sky with Jupiter and Venus As per Space.com, the Worm Moon this year will share the stage with Jupiter and Venus on Tuesday night. Every time the moon is on the other side of the Earth from the Sun, a full moon occurs. The timing of the full moon varies on one's time zone because we measure full moons when the moon is 180 degrees around the celestial sphere from where the sun is. Also Read | EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams

Worm Moon 2023: Witness the ball of fire in sky: Check timings in India, US & UK, full Moon calendar 2023 

worm-moon

Worm Moon, News on Worm Moon, stories on Worm Moon, articles on Worm Moon, Worm Moon stories at Wion, Worm Moon news, Worm Moon latest news