Get ready, stargazers! A spectacular 'beaver' moon is gracing Australia's skies tonight, promising a breathtaking display. This isn't just any full moon; it's a supermoon, and this one's extra special!
This November supermoon is the second in a series of three this year. But what exactly makes a supermoon so super? It's all about timing. A supermoon happens when the full moon phase coincides with the moon's closest point to Earth in its orbit. Because the moon's path isn't a perfect circle, it has moments when it's closer to us (perigee) and farther away (apogee).
This close approach makes the moon appear significantly brighter and about 10% larger than a typical full moon.
This week's supermoon is particularly noteworthy because it's reaching its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear exceptionally large and luminous. The moon will be at its perigee, approximately 363,000 km away from Earth. This is in contrast to its apogee, which is around 405,500 km.
This supermoon is expected to be about 16% brighter than average.
But here's where it gets controversial... While many of us are excited to witness this lunar spectacle, astronomers have a slightly different perspective. They say that full moons aren't ideal for observing other celestial objects, as the bright light washes out the fainter stars.
So, what's the best time to catch this amazing view? According to experts, the best time to see the supermoon will be just after sunset. This is because the moon will be close to the horizon, creating an illusion that makes it appear even larger.
And this is the part most people miss... The 'beaver' moon isn't just a pretty sight; it also has a fascinating history. This nickname for the November full moon comes from Native American and European traditions. November was the time when beavers prepared for winter, and when trappers would hunt them for their thick pelts. The first supermoon of the year, known as the 'harvest moon,' occurred in October. Another supermoon is expected on December 4th.
What do you think? Are you excited to see the beaver moon? Do you agree with the astronomers' perspective, or do you love full moons regardless? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
