Generally unseen by the average observer, the size and brightness of the full moon ebbs and flows as it circles the earth in an elliptical orbit. Unless you are an astronaut trying to land on the moon I imagine you really don't care or notice. Except tonight!
This full moon will be 14% larger and 30% brighter than the lesser full moons we've seen this year. That's because the moon is at it's Perigee. That's astronomer talk for the closest point in an elliptical orbit. The opposite position, Apogee, is when the moon is at it's furthest point in its less than perfect circle of an orbit.
Here's a side-by-side photo taken of the Apogee and Perigee moons in 2002.
Combining this brighter than usual moon with the higher position of a winter moon should really light up the landscape. And double that if you're lucky enough to have some fresh white snow on the ground. It'll be a good time to bundle up and take a stroll through the neighborhood, looking at the beautiful Christmas decorations and having your way lit by the Perigee Moon!
No comments:
Post a Comment