2016 Ends with Three Supermoons

The term supermoon has entered popular consciousness in recent years. Originally a term from modern astrology for a new or full moon that occurs with the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit, supermoon now refers more broadly to a full moon that is closer to Earth than average. But why is the moon closer to Earth at some times but not others?



The Supermoon on November 14, 2016, will be the closest a Full Moon has been to Earth since January 25, 1948. The next time a Full Moon is even closer to Earth will be on November 25, 2034 (time in UTC).


Step outside on October 16, and take a look at the moon. Not only will the moon be full, but on that day, the moon will be at it’s closest point to our planet as it orbits Earth. This makes the October full moon a supermoon.

The supermoon of December 14 is remarkable for a different reason: it’s going to wipe out the view of the Geminid meteor shower. Bright moonlight will reduce the visibility of faint meteors five to ten fold, transforming the usually fantastic Geminids into an astronomical footnote. Sky watchers will be lucky to see a dozen Geminids per hour when the shower peaks. Oh well, at least the moon will be remarkable.

Coool

Very cool :-)

Thanks :-)

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