Supermoon : Celestial Phenomenon
A rare celestial phenomenon, the supermoon, illuminated the skyline around the world.
- A supermoon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the perigee or moon’s closest approach to the earth in its elliptical orbit.
- Because the moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, its distance from the earth varies throughout the month by around 50,000 km.
- When the moon is near its perigee and also directly opposite the sun, the full moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point.
- The term “Supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, defining it as a special event when a full moon is within 90 percent of its closest point to Earth.
- Supermoons influence the tides, creating perigean spring tides.
- These tides are slightly higher and lower than usual because the moon’s stronger gravitational pull acts in concert with that of the sun.
- These changes are typically modest, they can exacerbate coastal flooding when combined with storm surges.
