Saturday 19 March 2011

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's . . .


Supermoon! Tonight's full moon is a lunar perigee which occurs when the moon, travelling in its elliptical orbit, reaches its closest point to our earth. As a consequence, the moon will appear about 15% larger and up to 30% brighter than usual. The best time to check it out is at sunset, when the moon is closest to the horizon.

The Supermoon will cause higher and lower tides than usual, but don't buy into all the malarkey that it will cause natural disasters (or has already caused the earthquake and tsunami in Japan).

Just enjoy this full moon's additional size and beauty!

22 comments:

Corinna said...

Loved the moon last night! Now I know why.

Elena said...

LOL love the addition of the S on the Super Moon. Don't forget EXTREME SUPER MOON! Ta-ta-da...!

Anonymous said...

I am sooooooooooooo looking forward to this!

Suzie Ridler said...

Super Moon!!!! I love that superhero analogy and will go looking for our hero in the skies tonight.

Wendy said...

I'm going to make a point of having a good look up there with my son tonight. He's fascinated by stuff like this, and why wouldn't he be?!
Have a wonderful weekend!!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

-chuckle- This is the most eye catching entry, on tonight's Super Full Moon, I've come across. You rock!!! ,-)

mermaid gallery said...

I'm excited about this....I'm sure there will be high tides and great beach combing somewhere.....

Suzie said...

You mean that I have to stifle howling at the moon? But I HAVE to dance. .the feet cannot be denied!

It was SO bright last night, I thought that the town had put up more street lights!

If it weren't so cold, I'd go down on the beach, to get a clear view. (and stay back from the rising tide line! lol)

jaz@octoberfarm said...

this is so exciting that i might moon the moon!

fromsophiesview said...

Jim took some amazing pics of the moon last night.I'm trying to get him to post them...!

Jeanne said...

That orbed maiden with white fire laden,
Whom mortals call the Moon...
(Percy Shelley)

Kathy said...

I'm really looking forward to it. My son and I plan on watching moonrise, lighting candles and having some good full moon rituals going on.

Lois said...

I love a full moon. Will drag my healing carcass outside tonight to partake! Light some candles, sounds good. :)

Shalet Jimmy said...

I am going to see it today. Only a few minutes left...

DB Stewart said...

I don't buy into that malarkey either but speaking of natural disasters, what will Charlie Sheen do tonight?

clairedulalune said...

Ohhh, i am hoping for clear skies tonight and I hope to stay up and watch it set over the water!! if I get a decent picture I will post it! Enjoy it Debra and make a wish!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I am so hoping we have clear skies here and that the camera will be nice and get a few photos!!! (nothing to do with the operator...ahem....)
Amazing the difference in the size...

XXOO~~♥
Anne

The Dancing Crone said...

Thanks for the info. Loved scrolling down on your moon picture!

laughingwolf said...

time to 'plug in, and wail'... lol

Mistress Maddie said...

And I thought I was the only geek who was all excited by this! We should have had a moon party!

Jim said...

We headed down to the beach at sunset and waited......a few clouds but we managed to get a few shots....without a tripod! Fools! The whole beach and shore was lit up. Got to love it!
Have a great weekend Debra.
Jim

Anonymous said...

Thank you for demonstrating the difference between the two types of orbits (perigee vs apogee). Our moon here did not appear to be different. It is always huge and bright. =)