It’s status as a supermoon has been debunked, but the Worm Moon is due to put on a huge show today – if anyone can see it on a cloudy night.
The weather forecast has been mixed ahead of peak full moon at 7.48pm on Sunday (March 28), but we can still hope for a break in the clouds to see the lunar orb in all its glory.
And even if it is obscured, it’s still going to look impressive either side of this time as it is the fourth biggest and brightest full moon of 2021.
Tonight’s moon had been billed as a supermoon, but astronomers now seem agreed that the next one will be on April 26/27 and the on May 26 this year.
The last time we saw a super moon was back in May 2020.
For a moon to become a super moon, two things have to happen.
First of all, it must be a full moon when it is lit up fully by the sun. Secondly, it needs to be when it is at the closest point to the Earth in its orbit.
Many astronomers only consider the two closest full moons of a year as a supermoon.
Tonight's full moon is called a Worm Moon.
NASA explains how it got its name: “The full moon in March is known by many names: the Worm Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, and Lenten Moon.
“According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the native tribes of what is now the northern and eastern US named this the Worm Moon after the earthworm casts that appear as the ground thaws.
“The more northern tribes knew this as the Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signalled the end of winter.
“Other northern names are the Crust Moon, because the snow cover becomes crusted from thawing by day and freezing at night, or the Sap Moon as this is the time for tapping maple trees. Europeans called this the Lenten Moon.”
In the forecast for tonight, the Met Office is predicting cloudy conditions in Bristol, which may have the best chance of seeing it through a break in the clouds compared to Somerset and Gloucestershire which are due to be more heavily overcast.
Other Moon events in 2021
- April 27 (4.31am) Pink Moon (supermoon)
- May 26 (12.13pm) Flower Moon (supermoon)
- June 24 (7.39pm) Strawberry Moon
- July 24 (3.36am) Buck Moon
- August 22 (1.01pm) Sturgeon Moon
- September 22 (12.54am) Full Corn/Harvest Moon
- October 20 (3.56pm) Hunter's Moon
- November 19 (8.57am) Beaver Moon
- December 19 (4.35am) Cold Moon
Full Met Office South West forecast
Today: A cloudy start with occasional outbreaks of rain, especially over higher ground. Largely dry for all during the afternoon with a few sunny spells developing in the far southwest. A windy day. Maximum temperature 13 °C.
Tonight: During the evening and overnight clear spells develop across the region with winds gradually easing. Remaining dry across the region. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
Monday: A dry day with sunny spells throughout the morning. Plenty of lengthy sunny spells by afternoon and becoming warm. Light winds. Maximum temperature 17 °C.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Dry and warm on Tuesday with plenty of sunshine. Sunny spells on Wednesday but turning cloudier later with the odd spot of rain. Becoming colder on Thursday with sunny spells.
