Get ready for a celestial spectacle! Tonight, Australians will witness a stunning 'beaver' moon, a rare and captivating sight. But here's the twist: this moon isn't just any full moon; it's a supermoon, and it's going to be an extraordinary one at that!
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth during its orbit, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance. And this week's supermoon is set to be even more impressive, as it coincides with the moon's perigee, its closest approach to our planet.
Imagine the moon, usually about 363,000km away at its closest, now coming within 356,000km of us! That's a difference of 30,000km, making it appear approximately 10% larger and 16% brighter than a typical full moon.
But why is it called a 'beaver' moon? Well, this nickname has its roots in Native American and European traditions. November is when beavers prepare for winter, and historically, it was the time when trappers sought their warm pelts across the Northern Hemisphere.
And here's where it gets controversial: while many of us get excited about supermoons, astronomers like Adam Batten from Swinburne University of Technology point out that full moons are not ideal for observing other celestial objects. In fact, they can block out stars and other night sky wonders.
So, when is the best time to catch this breathtaking 'beaver' moon? According to Batten, just after sunset is the prime viewing time. The moon, close to the horizon, will appear larger due to an optical illusion, providing a stunning sight.
This week's supermoon is the second in a series of three this year, with another expected on December 4th.
And this is the part most people miss: the moon's orbit isn't a perfect circle; it's oval-shaped, which is why we get these fascinating supermoon events.
So, will you be joining the stargazers tonight? Don't forget to share your thoughts and observations in the comments! Are supermoons a cause for celebration, or do you agree with astronomers that they can be a bit of a nuisance for celestial observations?
