Experience the Magic: 3 Consecutive Supermoons to Brighten Your Nights!

Clear nights ahead! Starting October 6, three supermoons will brighten the sky, and you won’t want to miss them.

What’s a supermoon? It’s when the full moon is closer to Earth than usual, making it look bigger and brighter. This happens at a point called perigee. The term “supermoon” isn’t official, but it’s commonly used when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to us.

According to NASA, supermoons appear three to four times a year, always in a row. When the moon is less than about 223,694 miles away, we get to enjoy a true supermoon spectacle.

On October 6, look out for the “Harvest Moon.” It’s called that because it’s the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, marking the start of fall. Before electricity, farmers relied on this moonlight to harvest crops late into the night, as explained by NASA Space Place.

Next in line is the “Beaver Moon,” happening on November 5. This full moon is when beavers are busy preparing for winter, building their dams before the ground freezes. This name comes from the Maine Farmer’s Almanac, which first published Native American names for full moons back in the 1930s.

Finally, on December 4, the “Cold Moon” will rise, marking winter’s arrival. This name reflects the harsh conditions typical of this time, as long nights and bitter cold settle in. As Nebraskaland Magazine notes, it’s a time for introspection during the still, quiet winter landscape.

These supermoons are a treat for astronomy lovers and casual stargazers alike. At perigee, the moon appears about 14% bigger and reflects 30% more sunlight than when it’s farther away. This also influences tidal patterns. During full moons and new moons, we experience spring tides, which create the biggest differences between high and low tides, as highlighted by TimeAndDate.com.

So, if you find yourself near the shore, keep an eye on tide levels! Even if you miss the moon on the exact date, it will still look stunning a few days before and after.

For more details about the science behind supermoons, check out NASA’s page on supermoons. Enjoy the show!

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Supermoons,Harvest Moon,Beaver Moon,Cold Moon,Perigee,Full moon,Night sky,Tides