What is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest to the Earth at the same time that the Moon is full.

What is a Supermoon?

About Supermoon:

 

  • A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest to the Earth at the same time that the Moon is full.
  • As the Moon orbits the Earth, there is a point of time when the distance between the two is the least (called the perigee when the average distance is about 360,000 km from the Earth) and a point of time when the distance is the most (called the apogee when the distance is about 405,000 km from the Earth).
  • Now, when a full Moon appears at the point when the distance between the Earth and the Moon is the least, not only does it appear to be brighter but it is also larger than a regular full moon.
  • 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.
  • In a typical year, there may be two to four full supermoons and two to four new supermoons in a row.

 


Q1) What is a full Moon?

A full Moon is the phase when the Moon appears to be fully illuminated from Earth’s perspective.  This occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are all in alignment, forming a straight line. The Moon and The Sun are on exact opposite sides of the Earth. From this position, the Sun’s light shines directly onto the portion of the Moon that is visible to us and creates a full, bright circle of light.

Source: Supermoon to be 14,000 miles closer to Earth in July compared to full moon

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