Full Moon Height: When is It Highest?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between the full moon's height and its occurrence during the winter solstice. It is established that the full moon can be highest in the sky around the winter solstice, specifically December 22, when the Sun is at its highest point, causing the Moon to be at its lowest. The tilt of the Earth's axis, at 23.5 degrees, significantly influences this phenomenon, while the Moon's orbital tilt contributes an additional 5 degrees. The lunar cycle's longitude of ascending node operates independently of seasonal changes, following an 18.2-year cycle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lunar phases and cycles
  • Knowledge of Earth's axial tilt and its impact on celestial events
  • Familiarity with the concepts of solstices and equinoxes
  • Basic astronomy terminology related to orbits and celestial mechanics
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  • Research the impact of Earth's axial tilt on seasonal changes
  • Explore the lunar cycle and its phases in detail
  • Learn about the 18.2-year cycle of the Moon's ascending node
  • Investigate the relationship between solar and lunar positions during solstices
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Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and students interested in celestial mechanics and the relationship between the Moon and Earth during seasonal events.

haiha
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Hi all,

I've just read that the last full moon (29/6) was noted as the moon was lowest in the year. So there can be the full-moon when the moon can be the highest. Is that around Sep23 (equinox) or Dec22 (solstice)?

Thanks.
 
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It would be at the winter soltice. When the Sun is high in the sky the Moon is low in the sky and vice-versa.
 
Janus said:
It would be at the winter soltice. When the Sun is high in the sky the Moon is low in the sky and vice-versa.

So it doesn't have anything to do with the tilt of the moon orbit againt the Earth orbit around the sun?
 
haiha said:
So it doesn't have anything to do with the tilt of the moon orbit againt the Earth orbit around the sun?
That accounts for 5 degrees of it, but the tilt of Earth's axis with respect to Earth's orbital plane (the ecliptic) has a lot more effect as it is 23.5 degrees. And that 5 degrees from the difference in orbital planes is not dependent on the solstices or equinoxes, as the direction it points (longitude of ascending node +-90 degrees) has an 18.2 year cycle that is completely independent of Earth's seasons.
 
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