If you were lucky enough to be treated to clear skies last Wednesday, you were able to enjoy the third Supermoon of the year – the “Buck Moon”.
by AZP
What Is A “Supermoon”?
Although there are several technical definitions of what constitutes a Supermoon, the most widely accepted one is a full or new moon that is near the perigee (point in the Moon’s orbit where it is closest to Earth). The term “Supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and stipulates the Moon must be within 90% of perigee.
Although the distance parameters would include new moons, since new moons are virtually invisible to the naked eye we tend to use the term only for full moons.
For 2022 there will be four Supermoons – with only one remaining:
What Is a Supermoon? | When to See Supermoons in 2022 | The Old Farmer’s Almanac
by AFP
Why Do Supermoons Occur?
Two astronomical phenomena explain why Supermoons occur.
Foremost is the fact that the moon does not travel in a perfect circular orbit around the Earth. Rather, it travels in an elliptical path.
The other contributing factor is that our Earth does not sit in the smackdab center of this orbit. So consequently, there are points when the moon is closest to the Earth (Perigee), and others when it’s furthest away (Apogee).
So Why Is the July Supermoon Called the “Buck Moon”?
Like many, if not most, of our Supermoons, the Buck Moon was so named by Native Americans. This time of year is when the new antlers of buck deer begin pushing out of their foreheads, covered in the usual velvety fur that’s loaded with blood vessels. (This extraordinary supply of nutrients in the velvet makes deer antlers the fastest growing tissue of any mammal.)
But it is also called the “Thunder Moon” because of so many frequent thunderstorms at this time of year. And in Europe it’s commonly called the “Hay Moon”, because it’s the time of year when farmers start making hay.
So let’s enjoy some Supermoons from near and far.
The Americas
Asia
Europe
New York City
Seattle
But no matter what it’s called, it truly is a beautiful event.
by BELatina
