Just how Super is a Supermoon?

Supermoon to the left, Micromoon to the Right

Have you ever heard of a “supermoon”? You might have seen this term floating around social media or heard it mentioned on the news. But what exactly is a supermoon, and why is it such a big deal?

A supermoon is a full moon that appears larger and brighter in the sky than a regular full moon. This happens because the moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle; it is slightly elliptical. When the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit (known as perigee), it appears larger and brighter in the sky, creating a “supermoon” effect.

The term “supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. However, the scientific term for a supermoon is “perigee-syzygy of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.” While the term supermoon might sound a bit gimmicky, it does accurately describe the phenomenon of a full moon appearing larger and brighter in the sky.

Supermoons occur about once every 14 full moons, which means we get to enjoy this stunning sight about two or three times a year. The supermoon is often accompanied by some of the most picturesque and memorable moonrises of the year.

While the supermoon might be a fun and exciting event to observe, it doesn’t have any significant impact on the Earth or our lives. Contrary to popular belief, the supermoon doesn’t cause natural disasters or other extreme events, and it doesn’t affect our behavior or mood.

In summary, a supermoon is a natural astronomical event that occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. The term “supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle, but the scientific term for the phenomenon is “perigee-syzygy of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.” While the supermoon might be a fun and exciting event to observe, it doesn’t have any significant impact on our lives. So, the next time you see a supermoon, enjoy the stunning sight without any fear or worries.

Author: Jay Verne