CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first of four supermoons this year will appear next week, offering stunning views of planet Earth. constant companion.
Stargazers can watch the first act on Monday when Full Moon inches closer than usual, making it appear larger and brighter in the night sky.
“I like to think of a supermoon as a good excuse to start looking at the moon more regularly,” said Noah Petro, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter project scientist.
The August supermoon will be the start of a series of spectacular lunar spectacles. The September supermoon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse. October will be the closest point of the moon to the earth, and November will close out the year.
What makes the moon so giant?
A common term rather than a scientific one. Giant moon This phenomenon occurs when the full moon phase closely coincides with its orbit around the Earth. This usually only happens three or four times a year in succession, since the moon’s orbit is elliptical and constantly moving.
The supermoon is not obviously larger, but it may appear that way, although scientists say the difference may be barely noticeable.
“Unless you look at a lot of full moons or compare them to images, it’s hard to see the difference, but people should try,” Petro said in an email.
How does a supermoon compare?
There are four supermoons this year.
The first eclipse will be at a distance of 224,917 miles (361,970 kilometers). The next eclipse will be at a distance of about 3,000 miles (4,484 kilometers) on the night of September 17 into the morning of the following day. A partial lunar eclipse will also occur that night, visible from much of the Americas, Africa and Europe when the Earth’s shadow falls on the moon, looking like a small sting.
The October supermoon will be the closest this year, coming within 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) of Earth, followed by the November supermoon at 224,853 miles (361,867 kilometers).
What’s in my favor?
Scientists point out that only the most careful observers can distinguish the subtle differences. And it is easier to detect the change in brightness – a supermoon can be 30% brighter than average.
As the United States and other nations step up their efforts to explore the moon with spacecraft and astronauts, the moon is brighter than ever. As project scientist for the first lunar crew to be sent under the Apollo follow-up program, Artemis, Pietro is thrilled by the renewed interest in the moon.
“That sure makes staring more fun,” Pietro said.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Education Media Group. The Associated Press is solely responsible for all content.
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