Supermoon Graces Our Global Skies

Celestial Marvel: The Supermoon's Magnificence Graces Global Skies

An extraordinary supermoon captivated observers across the world this week, presenting a lunar spectacle that appeared more luminous and expansive after sunset. This celestial event is the result of the Moon, in its elliptical orbit, arriving at the position nearest to Earth. This proximity results in a noticeably larger and brighter appearance, offering a breathtaking view for sky-gazers. The phenomenon, while rooted in astronomical science, is also rich with cultural history and folklore, holding different meanings for people internationally. This recent appearance continues a tradition of human fascination with our planet’s natural satellite, turning heads and telescopes towards the heavens for a shared moment of wonder.

Understanding the Supermoon Phenomenon

A supermoon materialises when a full moon aligns with its perigee, the nearest point to Earth in its orbit. The Moon's path around our planet is not a perfect circle but an ellipse, meaning its distance from Earth varies. At perigee, the Moon is approximately 363,300 kilometres away, as opposed to its farthest point, or apogee, which is about 405,500 kilometres from Earth. This variation in distance makes the Moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to its apogee appearance. While this difference in size might be subtle to the naked eye without a direct comparison, the increased brightness is often more apparent, casting a brilliant glow across the night sky.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

The term "supermoon" itself is not an official astronomical designation. Astrologer Richard Nolle coined the phrase in 1979, defining it as a new or full moon appearing when the lunar body is within 90% of its nearest pass to Earth. Astronomers more formally refer to the event as a perigean full moon or a perigee-syzygy. The visual impact of a supermoon is most pronounced when it is near the horizon, an effect known as the Moon illusion. This optical trick makes the Moon appear even larger when viewed alongside buildings or trees, though the effect is a trick of the brain rather than a physical reality.

A Global Celestial Event

The recent supermoon was not a localised event; it brightened nightscapes on a global scale. From the bustling cities of Asia to the quiet countryside of Europe, people gathered to witness the spectacle. In China, the supermoon coincided with celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture. This festival celebrates family reunion and harvest, with the full moon symbolising completeness and unity. Families traditionally gather to share mooncakes, light lanterns, and admire the bright lunar disk, making the supermoon's appearance particularly auspicious and celebrated.

The Hunter's Moon and Its Traditions

This particular supermoon is known by several names, and it is also known as the Hunter's Moon. This name is traditionally given to October's full moon, which follows the Harvest Moon. The name originates from Native American and northern European traditions, marking the ideal time for hunting. After the harvest, the fields were clear, making it easier for hunters to spot deer and other game that had fattened over the summer. The bright moonlight extended hunting hours into the night, crucial for stockpiling food for the harsh winter months ahead.

Image Credit - by Kuzpunk, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Echoes of the Harvest Moon

Another name associated with this celestial event is the Harvest Moon. This title is given to the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. Before the advent of electricity, the light of the Harvest Moon was essential for farmers. It allowed them to continue harvesting their crops late into the evening for several consecutive nights, as the moon rises at nearly the same time around sunset. This extra illumination was a vital resource, ensuring that the harvest could be completed before the weather turned. The name itself evokes an era in which communities were deeply connected to the cycles of nature and the seasons.

Cultural Significance Worldwide

The full moon, and particularly a supermoon, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in many societies. In various traditions, it is seen as a time of heightened energy and spiritual connection. Some Native American cultures view the supermoon as a period of spiritual awakening and an opportunity to connect with nature through rituals and ceremonies. In many Eastern cultures, it is associated with enlightenment and spiritual growth, with Buddhist practitioners sometimes using the event for intensive meditation. Worldwide, the luminous presence of a supermoon invites reflection and a sense of shared human experience under the same sky.

The Supermoon's Influence on Tides

The Moon's gravitational pull is the primary force behind Earth's tides, and a supermoon can have a noticeable effect. As the Moon reaches its perigee, its gravitational force becomes stronger, leading to higher-than-usual tides known as perigean spring tides, or colloquially, "king tides." These tides can be about 20% higher than normal. While typically modest, this increase can contribute to coastal flooding, especially when combined with strong onshore winds or storm surges. The alignment of the sun, Moon, and Earth during a full moon already creates higher spring tides, and the supermoon's proximity amplifies this effect.

Photographing the Celestial Spectacle

The striking appearance of a supermoon makes it a popular subject for photographers. To capture its grandeur, experts recommend using a camera with a long telephoto lens to make the Moon appear large in the frame. Planning the shot is also crucial. Photographing the Moon as it rises or sets near the horizon can create a dramatic image, especially with interesting foreground elements like a cityscape or a natural landscape. Using a tripod is essential to keep the camera steady for a sharp image, given the low light conditions. The vibrant colours often seen as the moon hangs low in the sky are due to the scattering of light by the Earth's atmosphere.

Future Supermoon Events to Anticipate

For those who may have missed this week's celestial display, or were thwarted by cloud cover, there are more opportunities to come. Supermoons typically occur in clusters of three or four a year. Following the recent event, observers can anticipate two additional supermoons in the coming months. There will be a supermoon on 5 November and another on 4 December 2025. These upcoming events offer further chances for people to experience the wonder of a larger and brighter Moon. Keeping an eye on astronomical calendars will ensure sky-watchers are prepared for the next lunar spectacle.

Image  Credit - by Gk1089, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Full Moon Names Throughout the Year

Each full moon of the year has a traditional name, many of which originate from Native American folklore and reflect the changing seasons. January's full moon is the Wolf Moon, named for the howling of wolves on cold winter nights. February's is the Snow Moon, due to the heavy snowfall common in that month. March brings the Worm Moon, as the ground begins to thaw and earthworms reappear. These names connect us to a period where tracking the seasons was essential for survival and the Moon served as a vital calendar in the sky.

More Lunar Monikers: From Flowers to Sturgeon

The tradition of naming full moons continues throughout the year. April's is the Pink Moon, named for the early spring wildflowers. May is the Flower Moon, celebrating the abundance of blooms. June's Strawberry Moon marks the peak of the strawberry harvesting season. The Buck Moon in July refers to when male deer begin to regrow their antlers. August's Sturgeon Moon is named after the large fish that were abundant in the Great Lakes at that time of year. These names provide a poetic and historical context to the lunar cycle.

The Mid-Autumn Festival in China

The supermoon's timing with China's Mid-Autumn Festival holds special significance. With a history of over 3,000 years, the festival is deeply rooted in moon worship and harvest celebrations. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, a period where the lunar disk is believed to be at its most complete and brilliant. One of the most popular legends associated with the festival is that of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality. It is a time for family gatherings, giving thanks for the harvest, and enjoying the beauty of the full moon.

The Tradition of Mooncakes

Mooncakes are the quintessential food for celebrations of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries, often with sweet fillings like lotus seed paste and a salted duck egg yolk in the center to represent the full moon, are shared among family members. The round shape of the mooncake symbolises completeness and family unity. In some regions, there is a tradition of the eldest family member cutting and distributing the mooncake, reinforcing the theme of togetherness that is central to the festival. Their consumption is a cherished ritual during this lunar celebration.

Lanterns and Other Festivities

Beyond mooncakes, celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival include a variety of other customs. Lighting and displaying lanterns is a popular tradition, with lanterns often made in various shapes and sizes. In some areas, people release sky lanterns, carrying their wishes up to the heavens. Dragon and lion dances are also performed in some communities to bring good fortune. These vibrant traditions, all taking place under the light of the full moon, make these festivities a colourful and joyous occasion, and the presence of a supermoon makes it even more memorable.

Dispelling Supermoon Myths

The dramatic appearance of a supermoon has sometimes led to unsubstantiated claims about its effects on Earth. Some have anecdotally linked supermoons to natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. However, scientists have found no evidence to support these claims. While a supermoon does have a measurable effect on tides, its gravitational influence is not strong enough to trigger major geological events. The Earth's internal forces are far more powerful than the subtle tidal differences caused by a closer Moon.

The Opposite of a Supermoon: The Micromoon

Just as the Moon has a nearest orbital position to Earth, it also has a most distant point, known as apogee. When a full moon occurs at apogee, it is sometimes referred to as a micromoon. A micromoon can appear about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than a supermoon. While not as celebrated as its "super" counterpart, the micromoon provides a useful contrast that highlights the dynamic nature of the Moon's orbit. The difference in apparent size between a supermoon and a micromoon is visually comparable to the difference between a five-pence and a ten-pence coin.

Rare Lunar Events: Super Blood Blue Moons

On rare occasions, a supermoon can coincide with other lunar events, creating an even more spectacular sight. A "Blue Moon" refers to the second full lunar appearance within a single calendar month. A "Blood Moon" is the term for the reddish hue the Moon takes on during a total lunar eclipse, as sunlight is filtered through Earth's atmosphere. When all three of these events align—a supermoon, a Blue Moon, and a total lunar eclipse—it is referred to as a Super Blood Blue Moon. These rare celestial alignments are a treat for astronomers and sky-watchers alike.

The Enduring Fascination with the Moon

From ancient agricultural societies to modern-day urban dwellers, humanity has always been captivated by the Moon. It has been a guide for farmers and sailors, a source of inspiration for poets and artists, and a subject of scientific inquiry. The supermoon, with its enhanced size and brightness, serves to amplify this fascination. It reminds us of the vastness of the cosmos and our place within it. It is a shared natural wonder that connects people across cultures and generations, encouraging us to pause and look up at the sky.

Preparing for the Next Supermoons

With two more supermoons on the horizon for 2025, on 5 November and 4 December, there is ample time to prepare. To get the best view, it is advisable to find a location with a clear view of the horizon, away from the light pollution of major cities. Checking the local weather forecast is also essential, as clouds can obscure the view. Whether observing with the naked eye, a pair of binoculars, or a telescope, the upcoming supermoons promise to be a memorable celestial show for all who take the time to witness them.