Metro Vancouverites can soak in the light of a full moon toward the end of the month.
The moon will appear at its fullest in Metro Vancouver on May 23 at 6:53 a.m., according to timeanddate.com. It is most commonly referred to as the "full flower moon" across North America.
According to the Old Farmer's Almanac: "The May full Moon marked a time of increasing fertility, with temperatures warm enough for safely bearing young, a near end to late frosts, and plants in bloom." It notes that Native peoples would give distinctive names to each reoccurring full moon to mark the change of seasons. Many of these names arose when Native Americans first interacted with colonists.
Space.com adds that the April full moon also goes by other names including the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Full Fish Moon.
Metro Vancouver supermoons in 2024
Metro Vancouverites will have four opportunities to spot supermoons in 2024.
A supermoon refers to a full moon that looks roughly 15 per cent brighter and seven per cent bigger than a regular one due to its proximity to Earth.
EarthSky notes that astronomers usually refer to supermoons as perigean full moons, meaning the moon is closer to Earth.
The first supermoon of 2024 will take place on Aug. 19 and is also considered a "blue moon."
Since viewing opportunities depend on the Metro Vancouver weather forecast, check Environment Canada's online cloud prediction tool for astronomical purposes, which shows how clear the sky might be throughout the day.
Stay up-to-date with hyperlocal forecasts across 50 neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland with V.I.A.'s Weatherhood.
