I awoke this morning to the bright spotlight of the full moon, about to set behind the Rockies to our west. The March full moon is traditionally known as the "Worm Moon," a rather ugly name for our brilliant and beautiful satellite.
The name is derived from the fact that, in early spring, the frozen soil is gradually thawing and earthworms are moving toward the surface, a fact clearly noticed by their natural predators (robins, opossums, garter snakes and many others). Of course, worms play an important role in soil aeration, fertilization and nutrient recycling as well, deserving their astronomical salute.
The Worm Moon will reach its maximum fullness and brightness tomorrow. We humans may take notice but the countless worms will surely not. They have important work to do.
