Eyes on the sky, because tonight’s supermoon will be the last for 2015, so both astronomers and general enthusiasts should take advantage of the opportunity that won’t come around again until next year.
- Tonight’s supermoon will occur between October 26th and last through the morning of October 27th
- It will be the last supermoon of the year, and the moon will be full
- The next supermoon will occur in October, 2016
After being treated with three supermoons in a row, including the incredibly rare and stunning blood moon, we will see our sixth and final one for this year. It won’t be a dramatic red, because this one will not be coinciding with a lunar eclipse. However, it will surpass the rest in brightness and size.
Three decades ago, astrologer Richard Nolle first coined the term “supermoon” as when “a new or full moon” occurs when the moon as at its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit. This means that it can be at any point during its lunar cycle. However, it’s arguably much more exciting when it coincides with a full moon, as its far more visible to sky watchers.
Before Nolle, scientists referred to the event as either ‘perigee new moons’ or ‘perigee full moons’, as ‘perigee’ means ‘near Earth’.
Unlike the others, the supermoon that will occur on October 26th and last through the morning of October 27th, will be full. The previous events have unfortunately occurred during the beginning of the lunar cycle. They were much less brighter and exciting than the one that will adorn the skies tonight.
Generally, there are between 5 to 6 supermoons visible on the sky per year. This year, we have been treated with three in a row, plus the rare blood moon that caused social media to bursts with pictures. The stunning sight captivated the attention of many viewers and was immortalized in far too many photos to count.
Next year, we won’t be getting the same string of astrological events from the moon. In fact, it has been announced that the next supermoon is a year away. The first one of 2016 will occur at one point in October. This will be the last chance to lay your eyes on a bigger and brighter moon than usual.
Native Americans tribes have once called it the “Full Hunters Moon”, as it occurs in October, when leaves are changing and falling, and the game animals are at their fattest before winter. This was considered the best time to hunt. However, if hunting does not pose as an interest, perhaps the sight itself will.
Tonight’s supermoon will be bigger, full and brighter.
Image source: collective-evolution.com
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