Relative apparent sizes of Perigee full Moon and Average Full Moon. Image Credit: Sky & Telescope Approaching ‘Perigee Full Moon’ or as it is called now- Supermoon.
Now, being called as ‘Supermoon,’ an apparently large sized Moon is going to appear on our sky next 23rd June. This will be any Full Moon’s closest encounter in 2013. But yes, nothing to get too much excited- this happens once in every 14 months.
This is actually known as ‘Perigee Full Moon.’ Moon moves around Earth on its orbit which is not a perfect circle. So, Moon goes far from Earth and also comes closer to Earth. The closest point to Earth on the orbit is called Perigee and farthest point is called Apogee. At the same time, due to Earth Moon Sun relative position, Moon keeps on showing us different phases. If a full Moon takes place when the Moon is very close to perigee , the round Moon appears to be bigger. Then it is called ‘Perigee Full Moon’ or recently ‘Super Moon.’ But ‘Supermoon’ is not a recognized term for this.
On the 23rd June, Moon at its Full Moon phase will be at 356,991 km from Earth at 11:32 UT or 17:02 IST, just after 22 minutes of crossing its actual perigee point in orbit. The next Full Moon at perigee will be 10th August 2014. Distance between earth and moon will be 356,896 km. Next is September 28th 2015. November 14th 2016 will find Moon even closer at 356,509 km distance. The next first Full Moon at Perigee, closer than 356500 km will be on Nov 25th 2034. And, closer than 356400 km 1st January 2257. Last time Perigee Full Moon was that close on the January 14th 1930.
There is not any special influence of Perigee Full moon in our life though this close encounter may cause certain higher level of tide at places.
Now, being called as ‘Supermoon,’ an apparently large sized Moon is going to appear on our sky next 23rd June. This will be any Full Moon’s closest encounter in 2013. But yes, nothing to get too much excited- this happens once in every 14 months.
This is actually known as ‘Perigee Full Moon.’ Moon moves around Earth on its orbit which is not a perfect circle. So, Moon goes far from Earth and also comes closer to Earth. The closest point to Earth on the orbit is called Perigee and farthest point is called Apogee. At the same time, due to Earth Moon Sun relative position, Moon keeps on showing us different phases. If a full Moon takes place when the Moon is very close to perigee , the round Moon appears to be bigger. Then it is called ‘Perigee Full Moon’ or recently ‘Super Moon.’ But ‘Supermoon’ is not a recognized term for this.
On the 23rd June, Moon at its Full Moon phase will be at 356,991 km from Earth at 11:32 UT or 17:02 IST, just after 22 minutes of crossing its actual perigee point in orbit. The next Full Moon at perigee will be 10th August 2014. Distance between earth and moon will be 356,896 km. Next is September 28th 2015. November 14th 2016 will find Moon even closer at 356,509 km distance. The next first Full Moon at Perigee, closer than 356500 km will be on Nov 25th 2034. And, closer than 356400 km 1st January 2257. Last time Perigee Full Moon was that close on the January 14th 1930.
There is not any special influence of Perigee Full moon in our life though this close encounter may cause certain higher level of tide at places.
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