Tonight is a special night for sky gazers as a supermoon will rise over the Earth, marking the last opportunity to witness this celestial event for the remainder of the year. The moon will appear larger and brighter than usual due to its close proximity to our planet, at a distance of just 228,000 miles. This is part of a series of close passes that the moon has made, and it is a moment not to be missed!
The next supermoon will not occur until June 14, 2022, making tonight’s display an exceptional sight. To fully appreciate this astronomical wonder, all you need to do is step outside and look up at the sky; it’s that simple! Observing the moon through a telescope or binoculars may enhance the experience, allowing you to capture the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
The term "strawberry moon" does not refer to the color of the moon, although it can sometimes appear red during eclipses. Instead, this name is attributed to June's full moon, coinciding with the strawberry harvest season in North America. While the moon may not exhibit a reddish hue tonight, it will still provide a stunning view.
Interestingly, there is some debate surrounding whether tonight's moon qualifies as a true supermoon. Originally coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, the term describes a moon within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth. Different organizations, including NASA, have varying definitions of what constitutes a supermoon, which can lead to differing lists of supermoons throughout the year. Regardless of the classification, supermoons have distinctive effects, including more pronounced high and low tides.
What You Will Learn
- The significance of tonight's supermoon and its unique visibility.
- What a "strawberry moon" is and its cultural significance.
- The debate surrounding the classification of supermoons.
- How supermoons affect tides on Earth.
