Reported by: Angela Brauer
Email: angelabrauer@kmtr.com
EUGENE (KMTR) – A moon perigee will occur for the first time since 1993.
This year the “supermoon” will coincidentally happen in conjunction with a full moon phase. Scientists say a perigee is when the moon’s oval orbit will be closest to Earth. It will appear nearly 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual.
The moon’s distance typically varies around 410,000 kilometers, but tonight it will be about 356,575 kilometers.
Ocean tide has proven greatest when the moon is full. During the perigee, tidal force has in the past been stronger with more dramatic highs and lows.
Scientists speculate that there could be a link between supermoons and natural disasters. Disasters occurring in the same year of supermoons, they say, were influenced by the increased gravitational strength. However those who contend this idea say unless a disaster happens on the actual date of the supermoon, monthly alternation between the Earth and moon’s points of furthest proximity and closest proximity are not supportive.
Astrologers have most recently argued that the Japanese earthquake and tsunami was brought on by tonight’s anticipated perigee. It is the closest the moon has been since 1993. Earlier in the month, however, the moon was about 400,000 kilometers from Earth – close to a distance defining apogee (the furthest point from the world).
The next expected supermoon, although not a complete perigee, is expected November 14th, 2016.
EUGENE (KMTR) – A moon perigee will occur for the first time since 1993.
This year the “supermoon” will coincidentally happen in conjunction with a full moon phase. Scientists say a perigee is when the moon’s oval orbit will be closest to Earth. It will appear nearly 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual.
The moon’s distance typically varies around 410,000 kilometers, but tonight it will be about 356,575 kilometers.
Ocean tide has proven greatest when the moon is full. During the perigee, tidal force has in the past been stronger with more dramatic highs and lows.
Scientists speculate that there could be a link between supermoons and natural disasters. Disasters occurring in the same year of supermoons, they say, were influenced by the increased gravitational strength. However those who contend this idea say unless a disaster happens on the actual date of the supermoon, monthly alternation between the Earth and moon’s points of furthest proximity and closest proximity are not supportive.
Astrologers have most recently argued that the Japanese earthquake and tsunami was brought on by tonight’s anticipated perigee. It is the closest the moon has been since 1993. Earlier in the month, however, the moon was about 400,000 kilometers from Earth – close to a distance defining apogee (the furthest point from the world).
The next expected supermoon, although not a complete perigee, is expected November 14th, 2016.
