As if to make amends for the nasty weather that highlighted 2011, the awe and beauty of Mother Nature was on full display over the last year, giving us an occasional break from cursing the bad weather to drink in the wonders of its beauty.

In March, a full moon experts said would be the largest in more than 20 years did not disappoint. The so-called "Super Moon" filled our eyes like big pizza pies on the night of March 19, and dozens of readers from around the world submitted their own photographs of the lunar phenomenon, creating a one-of-a-kind gallery of the occurrence.

In August, and originally appearing on Ridgewood Patch, a reader with a quick trigger finger captured this unbelievable lightning strike over downtown Ridgewood, prompting other readers from parts far and wide to add more awe-inspiring lightning strike photos, creating yet another unique and beautiful photo gallery.

That same night — August 19 — Maplewood's own Claire Sinclair captured a stunning picture of ominous clouds rolling over Newark Bears Stadium as the stands were being cleared of fans.

In September, the evening skies were graced by a massive double rainbow that lifted the spirits of everyone who saw it. The rainbow stopped traffic in Maplewood Village, as locals pulled out their smart phones to capture the image.

Got some great pictures of the local sky in 2011? Upload them here!