Tonight, a spectacular Supermoon will be visible in the sky. It will be 14% larger and 30% brighter than a normal moon. According to NASA, this phenomenon occurs when the Moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit.
Supermoon: A wonderful sight will be seen in the sky tonight. The Moon will be at its fullest glory, appearing significantly larger and brighter than on normal days. Scientists have named this special event the Supermoon. It will not only be a highlight for astronomy but also one of nature's most beautiful spectacles, which everyone can witness with their own eyes.
What is a Supermoon?
A Supermoon is an astronomical phenomenon when a Full Moon, while orbiting Earth, reaches its closest point (Perigee) to our planet. At this time, the Moon's size appears larger and its brightness significantly enhanced compared to usual.
Typically, the average distance between Earth and the Moon is approximately 2,38,900 miles (about 3,84,400 kilometers), but during tonight's Supermoon, this distance will reduce to about 2,24,600 miles (361,459 kilometers). This means the Moon will be about 10 percent closer to Earth, making it appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than on normal days.
What did NASA say about this Supermoon?
The American space agency NASA has called this Supermoon the "Annual Global Celebration of Earth's Natural Satellite." According to NASA scientists, this sight is not only special from a scientific perspective but also offers an opportunity to increase people's interest in astronomy.
NASA stated that this event is like a shared experience for the entire world, where every person, regardless of their country, can gaze at the same beautiful sight in the sky.
A Memorable Night for Sky-Gazers
For those who are fascinated by celestial sights, tonight will be nothing short of a festival. This Supermoon will cast a wonderful glow across the night sky. It will be 14 percent larger and approximately 30 percent brighter than a normal full moon.
In many countries, it is also called the Harvest Moon because it occurs at a time of year when farmers begin harvesting their crops. The extra moonlight during this period was helpful for working in the fields at night, hence it got this name.
Why does the Supermoon appear brighter and bigger?
The Moon's orbit is not perfectly circular but elliptical. Because of this, the Moon is sometimes farther from Earth and sometimes closer. When it comes closest, more light from its surface reaches Earth.
As a result, its Brightness feels approximately 30 percent greater than usual. Simultaneously, its Apparent Size appears 14 percent larger. This is why the Supermoon looks like a giant and brilliant sphere in the night sky.
Is equipment needed to see this Supermoon?
According to Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, no special equipment is needed to view the Supermoon. If the sky is clear, everyone can see it with their own eyes.
He added that, however, it might be a bit difficult to perceive the difference in its actual brightness or size compared to a normal moon because our eyes do not have a reference object for comparison.
Pitts also explained that if you observe the Moon near the horizon, it appears even larger, whereas when the same Moon is high in the sky, it looks slightly smaller. This is known as the Moon Illusion and is entirely a psychological effect.
Scientific Significance of the Supermoon
According to scientists, a Supermoon is not an unusual event, but it is a wonderful example of how nature brings science to life through its beauty.
Studying Supermoons helps scientists understand the Moon's orbit, its gravitational pull, and its effects on Earth, such as changes in tides.
When the Moon is closer to Earth, the height of tides in the oceans can be slightly higher than usual. This is called a Perigean Spring Tide. However, this effect is not very significant and poses no danger to common people.
When and where will this Supermoon be visible?
In India, this Supermoon will be most clearly visible tonight from approximately 7:00 PM until midnight. If the weather is clear, it can be seen from any part of the country. The Moon's closest point, the Perigee Moment, will occur around 9:30 PM tonight. At that time, both the size and brightness of the Moon will be at their peak.
