Vancouver Night Full Moon from Stanley Park / Shutterstock
Vancouverites were privy to a Full Super Wolf Moon in January, and now they have one last chance to view a supermoon this year - the Full Super Worm Moon.
The March full moon gets its wormy name from the time of year it takes place. Since the full moon coincides with the spring equinox on Wednesday, March 20, the name reflects the changing of the season. Specifically, the name refers to the time when birds begin to feast on earthworms that are pushing their way through the spring soil.
The Old Farmer's Almanac describes how, "Roots start to push their way up through the soil, and the Earth experiences a re-birth as it awakens from its winter slumber." However, they mention that the moon is also referred to as the Full Sap Moon, because it is the time of year when maple syrup begins to flow.
Not only does the Worm Moon qualify as a ‘supermoon’ – meaning that the moon will look a whopping 15 per cent brighter and seven per cent bigger than a regular full moon due to its proximity to earth – but it is the final of the three ‘supermoons’ this year.
Stargazers should opt to travel as far away from city lights as possible in order to avoid light pollution that will obscure the clarity of heavenly bodies. While this works best in more remote places, anywhere that has a higher elevation will also provide more ideal viewing conditions.
