General Question

2TFX's avatar

What is a "super moon"?

Asked by 2TFX (438points) January 28th, 2014

It comes up once in a while but I don’t know what to look for

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

7 Answers

zenvelo's avatar

It happens with the full moon at perigee. Since it is at its closest point to the Earth in its orbit, it looks bigger and it also has a stronger effect on tides.

Lightlyseared's avatar

It’s a full moon that coincides with the moon being closer to earth due to its elliptical orbit.

Rarebear's avatar

And it’s a misnomer. It’s only a few percent larger than a “regular” moon.

Lightlyseared's avatar

See diagram At perigee the moon appears 14% bigger and 30% brighter than at apogee.

filmfann's avatar

The Moon is not in perfect orbit around the Earth. It is occasionally closer, and occasionally further away. A Super Moon is when it is full at its closest point to the Earth.

It could also refer to Chris Christy, after losing his swim trunks when he performs a dive.

Dutchess_III's avatar

It’s a fad on facebook. The moon is never as huge as they pretend it is on face book and it isn’t a rare occurrence either.

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