Classified Boards
Tue-25-05-2021, 10:54 AM
Just a reminder that the May Supermoon will be at its best on Tuesday 25th, Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th May 2021.
The orbit of the moon around the earth is not completely circular, so there are times when it is closer to the earth than others. The closer it is, the bigger it looks, and the effect is always greater when the moon is full. These close, full moons are known as Supermoons. This month's will be the closest (and thus biggest) of the year at a mere 357462km from Earth!
The moon will rise in the east at:
25 May - 20:32
26 May - 21:57 (actual full moon)
27 May - 23:17
To see it at its best, try to view from high ground, as close as possible to the time of rising. This way it will be close to the horizon, and you'll be able to compare its size with trees, buildings etc. Because we are able to compare its size with known objects, this always makes the moon look bigger.
If we have a good evening with few clouds I'll try to get some photos and post them here.
As an aside, you may read that this month's full moon is known as the 'flower moon'. This is the name given by native Americans, who observed that Spring flowers were at their most numerous at this time of the year. The English name, dating from medieval times, is the hare moon.
Any comments or questions are most welcome!
Brian
The orbit of the moon around the earth is not completely circular, so there are times when it is closer to the earth than others. The closer it is, the bigger it looks, and the effect is always greater when the moon is full. These close, full moons are known as Supermoons. This month's will be the closest (and thus biggest) of the year at a mere 357462km from Earth!
The moon will rise in the east at:
25 May - 20:32
26 May - 21:57 (actual full moon)
27 May - 23:17
To see it at its best, try to view from high ground, as close as possible to the time of rising. This way it will be close to the horizon, and you'll be able to compare its size with trees, buildings etc. Because we are able to compare its size with known objects, this always makes the moon look bigger.
If we have a good evening with few clouds I'll try to get some photos and post them here.
As an aside, you may read that this month's full moon is known as the 'flower moon'. This is the name given by native Americans, who observed that Spring flowers were at their most numerous at this time of the year. The English name, dating from medieval times, is the hare moon.
Any comments or questions are most welcome!
Brian