A “Supermoon” will appear in the night sky this year as Jews around the world celebrate Purim.

This will be the third Supermoon of the year. The last two occurred in January and February. The lunar phenomenon on the night of March 20 will coincide with both the spring equinox and Purim. Because of the moon’s elliptical orbit, it will be closer to Earth at that time and appear larger than usual.

The Supermoon is sometimes called a worm moon because, according to National Geographic,”This is when the ground begins to thaw and earthworms begin to appear.”

The last time a full moon fell on the spring equinox was on March 20, 1981. The previous Supermoon occurred on February 19, and was referred to as a “super snow moon” due to the chilly weather for that time of year which accompanied it.

Purim is described in the Bible in the Book of Esther. The holiday commemorates the story of Queen Esther and Mordechai rescuing the Jewish people from the evil Haman. Celebrations begin at sundown on Wednesday, March 20. Shushan Purim, which is celebrated in walled cities such as Jerusalem, will begin the next day, beginning the evening of March 21.

Source: Jerusalem Post