Moon Through Telescope--photo by Richard Elliott
Desert dwellers, those camping out, and all other people should take special notice of the full moon, March 19. It will be at its brightest for 2011. Yes, brighter than usual. It will be a full perigee moon.
“The moon’s orbit periodically grows rounder and then more oval; it is never a perfect circle. The point at which it is nearest Earth each month is called its perigee,” writes Bob Berman for The Old Farmer’s Almanac” at www.almanac.com.
The Earth experiences both a perigee and apogee moon, monthly. Yet, every once-in-awhile the moon’s orbit puts the moon at its very furthest (apogee) or nearest (perigee) approach to Earth. This coming Saturday is the closest perigee moon at 221,566 miles (356,577km) from Earth.
The semi-rare event usually goes unnoticed by most people. The first visually noticeable change in this full moon’s appearance will be how extra brightly the moon shines. That is because the moon will be at its closest to Earth and will even be viewed as a slightly larger than usual disc in the sky.
In light of the recent ”monster” earthquake in Japan, some people wonder if the closest moon will bring other earthquakes, tidal disruptions, or other natural catastrophes. Scientists say that the moon’s gravitational pull of this perigee moon is not significantly any stronger than any other perigee moon.
Also remarkable, for those living coast side, there will be higher than normal tides, by several feet or more. Tides are usually higher anytime there is a full or new moon. The higher tides may make for better fishing. The brighter nighttime moonlight may improve conditions for hunters, too.
For those usually planning their camping trips or desert excursions around a full moon, so children are less afraid of the wilderness and night or to simply see more easily outside at night, this perigee moon will your best full moon for 2011. The moon glow should be so phenomenally bright, that a newspaper could be read by its light.
Some other full moon facts. The March moon is also called the Sap, Crow or Lenten Moon by other cultures and nations. Wikipedia.com says the March full moon is also named the Crust, Sugar, Chest or Death Moon. The Almanac says, “The Algonquin tribes (of North America) call March’s full moon the Full Worm Moon. This is Springtime and earthworm’s casts reappear inviting the return of Robin.”
Because Maple tree sap begins to flow in March, the full moon has been called the Sap Moon, signaling that it is time to tap the Maple trees for their sap, to make syrup.
When looking at this perigee moon, also search for the planet Saturn. It will appear like a bright “star” slightly below and to the left of the full moon. Also, almost in a straight line further below Saturn will be the twinkling star Spica.
So, make a note to check out the March 19 full perigee moon. Its brightness will amaze you!
Bishop Chamber of Commerce is hosting this year’s Winter Classic Trout Derby again from February 1 st through April 30th. The entry fee is $5 per person but Kids under 12 years old are free to join. The Department of Fish and Game rules will apply to this derby and this is a really good time [...]
The version available to the public on Youtube is shorter. This one is a special treat for our fans, who enjoy the longer videos. Thanks!
Part 2 of 3 – After taking their detour around an inopportune mudslide, the Desert Dogs get to their destination – Tinnemaha Creek. They search the region’s many lava [...]
