Vancouverites will have the chance to view a full "worm moon" this week.
The March full moon gets its wormy name from the time of year when it takes place. Since this full moon comes after the spring equinox, the name reflects the changing of the season. Specifically, the name refers to the time of year 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.
Paschal Full Moon
This year, the "worm moon" is the first full moon to occur after the spring equinox on March 20. As a result, March’s full Moon is the Paschal Full Moon, explains The Old Farmer's Almanac. "This means that its date determines the date of Easter (April 4, 2021)."
The moon will be at its fullest point in Vancouver on March 28 just before noon at 11:48 a.m. However, sky-watchers will be able to view the nearly-full celestial body later that night as well as the night before on March 27.
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 the moon. While this works best in more remote places, anywhere that has a higher elevation will provide more ideal viewing conditions.
