Full moon July 2023

 A supermoon refers to the phenomenon when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance. The term "supermoon" is not an astronomical one but rather a popular term coined in recent years.

During a supermoon, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon. The size and brightness difference, however, can be challenging to perceive with the naked eye alone. The most significant visual effect of a supermoon is often seen when the moon is near the horizon, where it can create an optical illusion making it appear exceptionally large.

The occurrence of a supermoon is relatively common, happening several times throughout the year. Astronomers often use the term "perigee full moon" to describe the technical event of the moon being at its closest point to Earth during its full phase. So, while the term "supermoon" may sound extraordinary, it is essentially a regular full moon that happens to coincide with the moon's closest approach to Earth.

It's important to note that the moon's orbit around Earth is not perfectly circular but slightly elliptical. As a result, the moon's distance from Earth varies throughout its orbit, with the closest point called perigee and the farthest point called apogee. When a full moon occurs around the time of perigee, we observe a supermoon.

If you're interested in witnessing a supermoon, you can check the lunar calendar or consult with astronomical resources to find out the dates when they are expected to occur. Keep in mind that weather conditions and your location's visibility will also affect your ability to observe and appreciate the supermoon.

Certainly! Here are some more details about supermoons:

1. Definition: A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. The technical term for this event is a perigee-syzygy, where "perigee" refers to the closest point in the moon's orbit to Earth, and "syzygy" means the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun.

2. Size and Brightness: During a supermoon, the moon can appear larger and brighter than a regular full moon. On average, a supermoon can appear about 7% larger and 15% brighter than an average full moon. However, the difference in size and brightness may be challenging to notice without a direct comparison.

3. Effects on Tides: The proximity of the moon during a supermoon can have a small effect on ocean tides. The gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun combine to create higher tides, known as spring tides. However, the variation caused by a supermoon is generally minimal and unlikely to have any significant impact on coastal areas.

4. Frequency: Supermoons occur multiple times a year, usually three to four times. The frequency of supermoons can vary from year to year. It is not uncommon to have consecutive months with supermoons or even skip some months without a supermoon.

5. Perception: The apparent size and brightness of the moon can be influenced by several factors, including atmospheric conditions and the observer's location. The moon often appears larger when it is closer to the horizon due to an optical illusion called the moon illusion. However, this effect remains the same for both regular full moons and supermoons.

6. Photographing Supermoons: Supermoons provide opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning images of the moon. To photograph a supermoon, using a tripod and a telephoto lens can help capture the details and enhance the moon's apparent size. Experimenting with exposure settings and incorporating interesting foreground elements can add depth and context to your photographs.

Remember, while supermoons can be visually captivating, they do not have any significant scientific or astronomical implications. They are more of an astronomical event that captures public interest and appreciation for the moon's beauty.