micromoon
Farthest lunar phase
A micromoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer than average.
The term is the counterpart to supermoon, which describes a full moon at its closest approach.
The size difference is subtle—about 14% smaller in apparent diameter—and most casual observers wouldn't notice without comparison photographs.
Highest orbital point
- farthestMost distant point
- distanceSpace between two points
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
- orbitCurved celestial path
lunar · eccentricity · perigee · anomalistic · gravitation · celestial · geometry · cycle
Of reduced magnitude
- diminishedMade or became smaller
- apparentClearly seen or understood
- opticalOf vision or light
- illusionMisleading sensory impression
comparison · contrast · relative · distance · perspective · observation · subtle · faint
Moon's orbital period
- gibbousConvexly swollen shape
- crescentCurved sickle-like arc
- waningGradually decreasing in intensity
- waxingCoating for shine
eclipse · penumbra · umbra · syzygy · illumination
Tide of least range
- weakerDiminished in force
- gravitationalRelating to mass-based attraction
- pullForce toward oneself
- ebbGradual retreat seaward
flow · coastal · oceanography · reduced · minimal
apogee
Highest orbital point
- farthestMost distant point
- distanceSpace between two points
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
orbit · lunar · eccentricity · perigee · anomalistic · gravitation · celestial · geometry · cycle · sidereal
smaller
Of reduced magnitude
- diminishedMade or became smaller
- apparentClearly seen or understood
- opticalOf vision or light
illusion · comparison · contrast · relative · distance · perspective · observation · subtle · faint · misconception
lunation
Moon's orbital period
neap
Tide of least range
- weakerDiminished in force
- gravitationalRelating to mass-based attraction
- pullForce toward oneself