So, save the date for December 4th! This supermoon will be the closest one of the year, captivating skywatchers around the globe. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point, or perigee, in its elliptical orbit around Earth. At this distance, the Moon will be nearly as far away from Earth as it ever gets. So it will appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a micromoon, which occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point in its orbit, known as apogee.
Usually, there are only three or four supermoons in any given year, and they may be spread out over as much as two to five full moons. In addition to this December’s supermoon, lovers of these lunar events can expect another supermoon on January 3. The Moon isn’t actually getting bigger or smaller during these events. Due to its close orbit to Earth, it produces a remarkable optical illusion that leaves many mesmerized.
Understanding Supermoons
A supermoon occurs because the Moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle. Instead, it follows an oval-shaped path. What this actually means is that there are stretches of time during which the Moon is much closer to Earth than at other times. The term supermoon is a popular one, but technically it’s a nickname that astronomers started using to characterize when a full moon lines up with perigee.
The amazing phenomenon has captivated many curious skywatchers and expert astronomers at the same time. According to the UK’s Royal Museums Greenwich website, there is even some controversy about the word’s origin. It is the latter usage that’s caught fire and widely adopted by the cultural zeitgeist today.
Contrary to popular misconception, the Moon does not actually increase in size during a supermoon. Optical illusions make the Moon look much bigger than it actually is. This latter effect is compounded even more by the positioning of its orbit with respect to the horizon. Additionally, the phenomenon called the “Moon illusion” can make the Moon seem much larger, particularly when photographing it in relation to foreground objects.
Tips for Photographing the Supermoon
Photography enthusiasts hoping to get a good shot of the supermoon should be aware of certain techniques to do so. NASA reminds photographers to adjust the brightness down to prevent a washed out fuzzy photograph.
“To avoid a blown-out, fuzzy white image, lower the brightness” – NASA
Furthermore, disabling the flash and aiming at the moon instead of outer space improves photo quality as well. This is usually easily done by pressing an icon shaped like the Moon on most smartphone cameras.
“Turn off the flash, and focus your camera on the Moon instead of the sky, usually by touching it on your screen” – NASA’s website
NASA suggests that users of complex devices first experiment with a low ISO and wide aperture. Here’s how to use your camera settings to get the clearest shots.
“Try setting the ISO low and the aperture wide” – NASA
The Cultural Significance of Full Moons
Every full moon has had cultural significance in different traditions and civilizations for centuries. The poetic names we use for full moons usually derive from Native American or Colonial American traditions. The Old Farmer’s Almanac reminds us that unlike other names of weather phenomena, these names have been inherited through the generations.
“The Moon names we use in The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from Native American, Colonial American, or other traditional North American sources passed down through generations” – The Old Farmer’s Almanac
With December’s supermoon nearing, countless stargazers are eager to soak in this nighttime wonder. The natural beauty and cultural history means that watching the supermoon will be a pretty special experience for many.
