It may be work, it may be play, it may be near, it may be away. So here is the challenge - to shoot and post one photograph a day on this site. These photographs are a kind of diary of things I find interesting. I am also thinking that there will be days when I am unable to shoot, so on those infrequent occasions, I will post a photograph done on another day, but one that still feels important to me. - Ken Spencer
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Moon at Perigee
Last Saturday night the full Moon occurred when the Moon was as close to Earth as it has been in about 20 years. The Moon's orbit is not circular, but rather elliptical. When the moon is closest to Earth it is called "perigee" and when it is furthest away it is called "apogee." So on Saturday night the perigee Moon was about 7 percent larger than average. Next October the full Moon will be the furthest away, and it will be 7 percent smaller than normal, for a difference in size between large and small of 14 percent. That is a huge difference in size. So I photographed the moon, and will save this photograph until next October, and post this again with another photo of the smaller moon. THAT will be an interesting comparison.
Extra credit if you can hilight where the American flag is planted.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ken. I did happen to go out and veiw the moon Saturday. It was so bright and beautiful for sure, but nothing to equal the visual wonder you capture with your telescope/photos. I will look forward to your October post.
ReplyDeleteI was in Myrtle Beach looking at the full moon over the water and wondered if you were out photographing or with your telescopes. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJoan