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The year’s first supermoon, also considered a “super worm moon” will be on full display Sunday.
The March full moon, known as the worm moon because of the emergence of worms during spring, is also called the Crow Moon, Crust Moon, Sap Moon and Sugar Moon, according to NASA.
There is some dispute over this month’s full moon’s supermoon status. Depending on the definition, there are two to four supermoons each year, according to NASA. Astrologer Richard Nolle is credited with coining the term “supermoon” in 1979 as when a new or full moon occurs within 90% of perigee.
Some astronomers use different thresholds to determine when a full moon is close enough to Earth to qualify. This year, some said the four full moons from March to June count, others said the three full moon from April to June, and others, including Nolle, said only the full moons in April and May are supermoons. The April and May full moons will be the closest of the year.
Regardless the status, skygazers will be in for quite a celestial sight.
When to watch:
The moon reaches its full peak at 2:48 p.m. EDT Sunday. It will be best seen at moonrise, which varies on location, and with a view to the eastern horizon.
Cox Media Group
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