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.

3 comments:

  1. Extra credit if you can hilight where the American flag is planted.

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  2. Thank 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.

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  3. I was in Myrtle Beach looking at the full moon over the water and wondered if you were out photographing or with your telescopes. Beautiful.
    Joan

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