The supermoon is a special phenomenon in the sky that continues to fascinate people. However, this is more of an optical illusion than a real phenomenon. We will explain to you here exactly what this means.
What is a Supermoon? This is what lies behind the celestial phenomenon
The term “supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979.
- When we talk about a supermoon, we mean a full or new moon that appears particularly large in the sky.
- From an astrological point of view, however, this is one optical illusionwhich occurs primarily due to changes in the size and brightness of the moon. This makes the moon appear around 5% larger than at other times.
- As the moon travels around the Earth, from time to time it reaches a point very close to the Earth and a point far from the Earth, the so-called “perigee” (near the Earth) and “apogee”.
- The moon reaches each of these points approximately every six months.
See super moon 2024: The giant moon appears on these days
In 2024, the supermoon can be admired in both September and October. At these days the moon is only around 360,000 kilometers from Earth and therefore appears particularly large. Normally the distance from the Moon to Earth is around 385,000 kilometers, almost 25,000 kilometers more.
- 18. September 2024: This supermoon will be visible at 4:34 a.m., rising just before its maximum near-Earth point. At this point, the distance to Earth is approximately 357,405 kilometers.
- 17 October 2024: The second supermoon of the year will reach its closest point to Earth (perigee) at 1:27 p.m. at a distance of only about 357,175 kilometers. Although it is theoretically closer, it only becomes visible in the evening around 6 p.m., when it is already a few kilometers further away.
Huge dimensions: This is how the proximity to the horizon affects the size of the moon
There is a simple scientific explanation for the gigantic dimensions of the supermoon.
- The moon is much smaller than it is perceived by our brain during a supermoon phase.
- This effect is caused by the Horizon sight caused by the moon.
- Because in a supermoon phase, the celestial body is closer to the horizon. If something is closer to the horizon, our brain assumes that object must be larger than it actually is.
- The sun also appears much larger at sunset.
Supermoon viewing tips: This is the best way to see it
In order to optimally observe the supermoon, the following points should be taken into account:
- Location: Choose a location with low light pollution, ideally outside urban areas.
- Wetter: Check the weather conditions at your location as clouds may reduce visibility.
- equipment: Binoculars or a telescope can help you see details better, while a telephoto lens is useful for photographs.
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