Get ready for a spectacular sight in the Australian skies! Tonight, a 'beaver' moon will grace the heavens, offering a unique and stunning display. But what's the story behind this celestial event?
A 'Beaver' Moon Rising:
The 'beaver' moon is a captivating phenomenon that will light up the night sky on Wednesday. This November full moon is not just any ordinary moon; it's a 'supermoon,' the second of three expected this year. But what makes it super? Well, it's all about the moon's position.
A supermoon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun, with our planet, Earth, right in the middle. Imagine a cosmic sandwich with the moon and sun as the bread and Earth as the filling! This alignment happens because the moon's orbit isn't a perfect circle but an oval, bringing it closer to Earth at certain points.
The Moon's Close Encounter:
During a supermoon, the moon appears larger and brighter than usual, approximately 10% bigger than your average full moon. And this week's supermoon promises to be a real showstopper! It will be the moon's closest encounter with Earth during its orbit, making it appear even more magnificent.
The point of closest approach to Earth is called perigee, and it occurs roughly every 27.3 days. At perigee, the moon is a mere 363,000km away from us, while at its farthest point, known as apogee, it's about 405,500km distant.
A Moon of Controversy:
While supermoons may be a delight for sky enthusiasts, astronomers have a different take. They argue that supermoons aren't ideal for observing other celestial bodies. Adam Batten, an astronomer from Swinburne University, explains that although the moon will be at its largest and brightest, it's not the best time for stargazing. Full moons, he says, block out the stars and other objects, making it a 'worst-case scenario' for astronomers.
The Beaver's Tale:
But why 'beaver' moon? This intriguing name has its roots in Native American and European folklore. November is when beavers prepare for winter, and historically, trappers sought their warm pelts for clothing. So, the 'beaver' moon marks this seasonal transition.
Catching the Perfect View:
For the best viewing experience, Batten suggests looking just after sunset. Due to an optical illusion, the moon appears larger when it's close to the horizon, making for a more impressive sight. But don't wait too long; the moon will be at its perigee after midnight, so catch it early!
And here's a fun fact: the year's first supermoon, known as the 'harvest moon,' happened in October, coinciding with farming calendars in the Northern Hemisphere.
So, will you be gazing at the 'beaver' moon tonight? Do you agree with astronomers that full moons hinder stargazing, or do you think they add a special charm to the night sky? Share your thoughts and keep looking up at the wonders above!
