Did you get a chance to see the perigee moon -also known as a "Supermoon"- last night? If you didn't, don't lament, you will get two more chances this year to view it on August 10th, 2014 and September 9th, 2014!
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| View of supermoon outside our home last night! |
What exactly is a perigee moon, aka: supermoon?
In simple terms, it's when the moon is full at the same day as the perigee, or elliptical path of the moon's orbit in which the moon (or satellite) is closest to the earth, which is a little over 31,069 miles (or 50,000 kilometers) in comparison to our other full moons on the apogee when the moon (or satellite) is furthest in orbit from our little place in space called earth. If the clouds aren't in the way, you will see that the moon appears brighter, bigger and lower-hanging during one of these "Supermoon" times.
How often does this happen?
Despite my geeky excitement over it, this happens approximately every 13 months and 18 days, so it's not super-rare, but it is super-cool to go outside and admire!
On August 10th, 2014:
The supermoon will be extra special (should we dub it a "super-duper moon?") due to the fact that during the same hour (as opposed to day) as perigee, the moon will become full.
If you would like to learn more about the fascinating happenings in our night sky, a good place to start would be NASA Science, where you can find lots of great information about supermoons and more!
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| Enjoying the beauty of God's handiwork... |
Psalm 8:3-4 (ESV)
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
Ahhh, I always miss these things, hopefully I will catch it on August 10th!
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