In recent years, the name “supermoon” has appeared very often in the press, causing many people to think that this is an extremely attractive phenomenon. However, the reality is not so. Let’s find out what this phenomenon really is, and look at the most frequently asked questions about it.
What is a Super Moon?
The supermoon is full moon Or new Moon At this point underground (perigee, the position closest to Earth in the orbit of an object orbiting the Earth, in this case the Moon), or within 90% of the distance from perigee to Earth.
Currently there is still no agreed convention on what is “within 90%”, some sources take the number 359,000 km, others take 360,000 km, and this article will use the number which has been allowed. this term calculates: 361,554.9 kilometer. This means that if a full moon or new moon is at least that number away from Earth, it will be considered a supermoon.
Seen from Earth, the full moon at perigee will have a larger apparent diameter than the normal moon.
The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical, so there will be times when the Moon reaches a point of perigee or apogee. Source: The Striped Wolf
The new moon at perigee is not observable because it occurs during the day, although astrologers classify it as a supermoon and may be useful to those interested in the signs of the zodiac, but for astronomers this phenomenon has little value because it is not observable.
Where does the name “super moon” come from?
The term “supermoon” does not belong in astronomy, but it originated in the astrology of an astrologer named Richard Nolle – who coined the word “supermoon” and defined the full moon. and a new moon is a supermoon when the moon is at or near (90%) perigee.
Super Moon over Novogrudok, Belarus, 2015. Author: Sergei Grits/AP
The term “supermoon” is not generally used in astronomy, but scientists instead refer to it as “alignment of the Earth-Moon-Sun system at perigee” (perigee-syzygia) or “Full Moon/New Moon at perigee “.
However, with the development of communication and society, the term “super moon” has become popular and used by many people. Obviously, it’s easier to say “supermoon” than to use confusing scientific terms like “alignment of the Earth-Moon-Sun system at perigee.” So it’s no surprise that the term “supermoon” has become popular again.
How much bigger and brighter is a super moon than a normal full moon?
The full moon at perigee, or supermoon, is about 14% larger and about 30% brighter than the full moon at aphelion (the farthest point). Supermoons compared to full moons are on average only about 7% larger and about 16% brighter.
Full Moon Size Comparison at Perigee and Far (Apogee). Source: TerreSky
As for the press, you may hear several sources of exaggerated information about the size and brightness of the supermoon. While we encourage you to observe the Moon, eclipses and other astronomical phenomena, it must also be said that a supermoon in the sky is not much different from other full moon occasions.
How many Super Moons are there each year?
There are 12-13 full moons (or new moons) every year, and of these, usually 3-4 times are considered supermoons.
The November 14, 2016 supermoon was considered the closest supermoon to Earth since 1948, and it wasn’t until November 25, 2034 that this record was broken by another supermoon. The closest supermoon to Earth in the 21st century will occur on December 6, 2052.
Sometimes a supermoon will coincide with a total lunar eclipse. The last time was in January 2018, and the next will be in January 2019 (not visible in Vietnam).
Supermoon affects the tides on Earth?
The influence of the Sun and Moon on the Earth’s oceans is greatest when it is a full moon or a new moon. The tidal force exerted by a supermoon at perigee on the oceans will be slightly stronger than during a normal full moon or new moon, but since gravity is relatively weak, it only raises the tides by 2 at 5cm.
Author: Robin Ohia via Flickr
Supermoon linked to natural disasters?
You may also hear that a supermoon can increase the risk of events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or tsunamis. But in fact, there is nothing to confirm that the supermoon contributes to these phenomena.
Super Moon 2014 in Los Angeles. Author: Andy Lesniak
Speculation about this link arose when the media cited the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami; 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Tōhoku, Japan; and a magnitude 7.5 earthquake about 15 kilometers northeast of Culverden, New Zealand on November 14, 2016. However, neither disaster has been scientifically proven to be linked to the supermoon.
Why does the supermoon always look…baby?
Supermoons are pretty normal. The name “supermoon” refers to the full moon at the point of perigee. Any low full moon just above the horizon is impressive, but once high in the sky, in terms of size, it’s not easy to tell the difference from a full moon in the apocalypse.
The moon at sunrise looks larger than it does high in the sky, partly because when it’s close to the horizon, you’ll compare it to houses and mountains. Source: CNN
It can be dramatic when the Moon is seen close to the horizon and is well worth the outdoors. However, when the Moon is overhead, there are no buildings, trees, or hills to compare, and its apparent size is therefore not much different from that of a normal full moon. . The apparent size difference from a normal full moon is negligible and much harder to detect.
Epilogue: Far from the rumors in the press, the Super Moon is just a normal phenomenon, nothing much different. Referring to this phenomenon, we want nothing more than for readers to take this opportunity to take a moment to relax and look at the MOON, so as not to forget a beauty of nature.
SUPER MOON IN 2019
In 2019, there are three Super Full Moons:
On January 21, 2019, the Moon was 357,715 km from Earth.
On February 19, 2019, the Moon was 356,846 km from Earth.
On March 21, 2019, the Moon was 360,772 km from Earth.
Read more: How to take an impressive photo of the Super Moon?
Synopsis: Eclipsegeeks & Earthsky
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