Wondering About the Perigee-Syzgy Moon.
The what you say? I said the perigee-syzgy moon. That is the scientific term given to the largest full moon during the year. But the common name is a lot more descriptive. People have the tendency to call anything that is bigger or brighter or better, "super" and the moon is no exception. When the moon appears the biggest it will be in a year, it is called the Supper Moon. That will happen real soon, in fact it will happen on August 10th. Yep on August 10th at 2:00 pm EDT the moon will be the closest and brightest for the year, but since it is in the middle of afternoon, we will not see it. So, here is a picture that shows the SuperMoon and the MiniMoon that happened last year:
You know, I bet no one will notice, even a few hours afterward when it gets dark. Yes, it will appear big and bright, but how could you tell if it is bigger or brighter than the last full moon? Could you remember exactly how big and bright the last one was? Any normal person couldn't. But I would suggest that you at least go out on the 10th and take a look. If you are in a location where the moon rises after dark, it will appear the largest as it comes up.
Here is another picture that shows the 14% difference in apparent size between Perigee and Apogee (The closest its orbit comes to Earth and the furthest its orbit gets from Earth):
Well anyway, don't get moon struck but have a great day, you hear?
Now you have me all moony eyed. You remember that ancient phrase don't you?
ReplyDeleteOh yes, cause I am ancient, too.
DeleteI can hear us both creaking as we try to walk.
DeleteDang, and here I thought that it was my floor creaking when I walk.
DeleteTimely post:) We are getting a good number of super moons, as described my the local TV weathermen.
ReplyDeleteBy definition, there can only be one super moon per month.
DeleteIt's interesting to see the two side by side - big difference in size. I will be sure to see it because it shines in on me at night.
ReplyDeleteYes, but you don't have the "smaller" moon to compare it to.
DeleteDont remember when ive seen the moon, never out. Sometimes i see it out a window.
ReplyDeleteYep, you have to go out and look up. You would be surprised what all is up there at night.
DeleteWhen the moon hits your eye like a big pizza-pie, that's perigee-syzgy. Dean Martin would need an extra shot to sing that.
ReplyDeleteNow, what would rhyme with syzgy??
DeleteI always try to go outside late at night and take in the moon and the stars. Just the other day I was telling mom that even though the moon is not full for some reason it looked bigger.
ReplyDeleteYou were right, it is bigger because it is closer. You are a night person, maybe you should get a telescope. It is amazing what all you can see, even through a small scope. And where you live, the night sky should be pretty dark, which makes seeing better.
DeleteBig Bend NP is really dark. I can read a book by the starlight when the moon is NOT out.
DeleteI have been just outside the west entrance, but decided not to venture into Big Bend NP because at the time I had three small dogs and it isn't very dog friendly.
DeleteWe live in the southern tip of Val Verde County and get all the lights from Mexico, so it is not dark like it would be in Big Bend NP or Terlingua.
DeleteNow when I move to Terlingua I might consider a telescope.
When i got up during the nite, the moon was so bright i thot it was a lite. I looked thru the window...lol.
ReplyDeleteYep, it was bright last night. I think hat super moon turned on a couple more candle power.
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