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Not all full moons are the same
By dtewes in Sky Watch
December 11, 2008

Image    The biggest, brightest full moon of the year will make its debut Friday night.
   To be exact, it will be 14-percent bigger in appearance and 30-percent brighter, according to science@nasa.
   The best time to view the moon will be when it is near the eastern horizon about the same time the sun sets in the west.
   That’s when the moon ordinarily gives the illusion of appearing larger and that will be exaggerated Friday when the moon is at perigee, or at its closest approach to the earth as it travels its elliptical orbit.
   Let me know if you notice the difference.

Comments


  • CF CF Report a ViolationReport a Violation
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    I'm in Austin, and we DEFINITELY noticed a difference when driving to work/school this morning.  The moon was so low and so large that it literally looked like we could reach it by continuing down Hwy. 183.  She certainly was beautiful and awed my boys!  :-)

    December 12, 2008 at 10:14 a.m.

  • maryann maryann Report a ViolationReport a Violation
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    Thanks for this great information. My sons are interested in the planets, stars, and so forth. This will be a great teaching tool!

    December 12, 2008 at 9:57 a.m.

  • latindaddy07 latindaddy07 Report a ViolationReport a Violation
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    This is also because the moon has moved into the constellation of Gemini, while the sun has been in Sagittarius in the past couple of days. The sun will be directly opposite the moon on Friday evening like it states. This is why it is precise that you look opposite the Sun, when it's at the horizon, because you will see the Moon make it's appearance. Just as the Sun is setting, the Moon will rise. I love when the moon gets this big and powerful! I'm Gettin' My Digital Cam Out! :)

    December 11, 2008 at 3:02 p.m.