Close Please enter your Username and Password
Reset Password
If you've forgotten your password, you can enter your email address below. An email will then be sent with a link to set up a new password.
Cancel
Reset Link Sent
Password reset link sent to
Check your email and enter the confirmation code:
Don't see the email?
  • Resend Confirmation Link
  • Start Over
Close
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service
Blogs > loveisamyth > loveisamyth, stars are forever


loveisamyth 68M
849 posts
3/4/2015 2:17 pm

Last Read:
3/6/2015 10:03 am
MINI FULL MOON
You've heard of the supermoon. Get ready for the opposite, a mini Moon. The full Moon of March 5th will be as much as 50,000 km farther away than other full Moons of the year, making it smaller and dimmer than usual. This image created by Alan Dyer of Silver City, New Mexico, illustrates the difference



The apparent size of the Full Moon changes throughout the year because the Moon's orbit is not a circle, it is an ellipse, with one side (apogee) 50,000 km farther from Earth than the other side (perigee). When the Moon is on the apogee side, it looks smaller and dimmer in proportion to its increased distance.

Can you tell the difference? Some people say "yes," others "no." There are no rulers floating in the sky to measure lunar diameters. Without a reference, it can be challenging to distinguish an apogee Moon from a perigee Moon. Decide for yourself. Go outside after sunset on March 5th, look east, and enjoy the mini-moonlight.
Rocketship 80F
18567 posts
3/4/2015 3:02 pm

 Very interesting!!!




×
×