The moon, Earth’s only natural satellite, has fascinated people for centuries. Its influence is felt everywhere, from controlling the tides to affecting the behavior of animals. But there’s one lunar event that stands out more than the others: the supermoon. Have you ever wondered what makes a moon “super”? Let’s dive into the amazing phenomenon of the supermoon and discover why it captures our attention.
What Makes a Moon Super?
A supermoon happens when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth at the same time it’s a full moon. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. But why does this happen? The moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t a perfect circle; it’s more of an oval shape, called an ellipse. This elliptical path means that sometimes the moon is closer to Earth, and other times it’s farther away.
The closest point in this elliptical orbit is called the perigee, and the farthest point is the apogee. When the moon is at its perigee and it’s a full moon, we get a supermoon. At the perigee, the moon is about 226,000 miles (363,300 km) from Earth. At the apogee, it’s about 253,000 miles (406,450 km) away. This difference of around 27,000 miles (43,450 km) makes a big impact on how the moon looks to us.
When the moon is at its perigee and full, it’s not just a regular full moon; it’s a supermoon! This is why it appears up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a normal full moon.
The Science Behind the Supermoon
Why isn’t the moon’s orbit a perfect circle? There are many gravitational forces at play. The Earth, the sun, and even other planets all pull on the moon, creating an elliptical orbit. These gravitational forces stretch and squeeze the moon’s path around Earth.
When you see a supermoon, it might appear even bigger when it’s near the horizon. This is known as the “moon illusion.” Our brains trick us into thinking the moon is larger when we see it next to buildings, trees, or mountains. However, the moon doesn’t actually change size; it’s just a visual trick.
One of the most spectacular effects of a supermoon is the extra light it casts. Because the moon is closer to Earth, more of the sun’s light reflects off its surface and reaches us. This makes the night much brighter, allowing us to see more details of the landscape and sky.
Historical and Future Supermoons
They are not rare, but some are more special than others. For instance, on November 14, 2016, the moon was the closest it had been to Earth since 1948. This made for an exceptionally large and bright super moon. Such an event won’t happen again until November 2034. Looking even further ahead, the closest supermoon of this century will occur in December 2052.
Typically, there are about three to four supermoons each year. Between 2020 and 2025, there are four supermoons each year. But remember, not every full moon is a supermoon. It only happens when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth.
Sometimes, a supermoon can coincide with a lunar eclipse, turning it into a “super blood moon.” During a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that gives the moon a reddish color. This makes the supermoon even more fascinating and eerie to watch.
Harnessing the Power of the Supermoon
Many people believe that the supermoon has special powers and energy. For example, some say that the moon affects our emotions, making our dreams more vivid around the time of a supermoon. Others think that the supermoon is a perfect time for rituals, purification, and release.
Here are a few ways people try to harness it’s energy:
- Purifying Your Space: Clean and declutter your home to create space for new things. Some people burn incense or herbs to cleanse the energy of their home.
- Cleansing Your Body: Take a bath or shower with the intention of washing away negative energy. Imagine the moonlight cleansing and refreshing you.
- Meditating: Sit quietly and meditate under the moonlight. Visualize the moonlight filling you with positive energy and releasing any fears or worries.
- Charging Water and Crystals: Place a container of water or your crystals outside overnight to soak up the moonlight. This is believed to charge them with powerful energy that you can use later.
- Writing and Releasing: Write down any negative emotions or thoughts on a piece of paper and then safely burn it. This symbolizes letting go of what no longer serves you.
- Sound Baths: Listen to calming sounds or music to relax and connect with the water element, which is associated with the moon.
No matter how you choose to experience it, it is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and marvel at one of the universe’s most beautiful spectacles. Whether you’re gazing up at the night sky or participating in a moonlit ritual, the supermoon offers a magical moment to appreciate the wonders of our world.
