Look for an especially large and bright Full Moon later this week. The Full Moon of 2008 DEC 12 will occur very near perigee. That perigee will be the closest between the centers of the Moon and Earth since 1993 and until 2016. The Earth is not far from its early January perihelion. That enhances the brightness of reflected sunlight. The closest perigees occur when they coincide with a Full Moon and the Earth near perihelion. Since this month’s Full Moon will be happening near the Winter Solstice, it will appear especially high near local midnight for observers north of the tropics. Where there is snow on the ground the lighting effect may be breathtaking.
For North Americans the Moon will be fullest and closest during midday on Friday the 12th. But the difference will be barely noticeable during the two nights on either side, so in essence we’ll be seeing the effect twice. The Moon will be in opposition from the Sun on December 12 at 16:37 UT, and I calculate geocentric maximum illumination of 99.9% for 17:02 UT. Geocentric perigee of 356,566 km will occur on the 12th at 21:40 UT.
I’ve created a panoramic graphic that illustrates the declinations, distances and apparent angular diameters of the next 15 Full Moons. Since the distances between Earth and Full Moons repeat within a cycle of about 14 synodic months, the graphic shows a complete cycle with the Full Moon near perigee at each end. It can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Photos and descriptions of this month’s Full Moon would be welcome additions to this thread.
For North Americans the Moon will be fullest and closest during midday on Friday the 12th. But the difference will be barely noticeable during the two nights on either side, so in essence we’ll be seeing the effect twice. The Moon will be in opposition from the Sun on December 12 at 16:37 UT, and I calculate geocentric maximum illumination of 99.9% for 17:02 UT. Geocentric perigee of 356,566 km will occur on the 12th at 21:40 UT.
I’ve created a panoramic graphic that illustrates the declinations, distances and apparent angular diameters of the next 15 Full Moons. Since the distances between Earth and Full Moons repeat within a cycle of about 14 synodic months, the graphic shows a complete cycle with the Full Moon near perigee at each end. It can be seen by clicking: http://www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html
Photos and descriptions of this month’s Full Moon would be welcome additions to this thread.
For astronomical graphics, including
monthly wallpaper calendar, visit:
CurtRenz.com/astronomical
Curt Renz
