SUMMARY
The forum discussion centers around the supermoon that occurred on November 14, 2016, which was the closest full moon to Earth in 70 years, with a perigee of 356,511 km compared to 357,163 km in April 2016. Participants debated the visibility differences between supermoons and regular full moons, emphasizing that the angular size difference is noticeable with advanced equipment. They clarified that a supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's perigee, but not all full moons are supermoons. The discussion also touched on lunar eclipses and the orbital mechanics of the Earth and moon.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of lunar phases, specifically full moon and new moon.
- Familiarity with the concepts of perigee and apogee in lunar orbits.
- Basic knowledge of angular size and its measurement in astronomy.
- Awareness of lunar eclipses and their relationship to the moon's position.
NEXT STEPS
- Research the differences between perigee and apogee in lunar orbits.
- Learn about the criteria for defining a supermoon and its frequency.
- Explore the effects of the moon's distance on its apparent size and brightness.
- Investigate the mechanics of lunar eclipses and their occurrence relative to the moon's orbit.
USEFUL FOR
Astronomy enthusiasts, educators, and anyone interested in lunar phenomena and celestial mechanics will benefit from this discussion.
