supermoons
Extra-large lunar appearances
A supermoon is a full moon that appears larger and brighter than usual because it occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
The difference is subtle to casual observers but makes for dramatic photographs and media coverage: Three supermoons in a row this summer.
The term is informal astronomy, popularized in the 21st century.
Orbit's closest point
- lunarOf the moon
- orbitCurved celestial path
- closestMost near in distance
- brightnessDegree of light emitted
magnitude · apogee · distance · elliptical · syzygy · illumination · nightsky · celestial
Inherited cultural narratives
- mysticismPursuit of divine union
- lunar calendarTimekeeping by moon phases
- omenProphetic indicator
- mythologyBody of traditional tales
ritual · spiritual · astrology · Native American · Celtic · lunacy · moonstruck · fertility
Federal space exploration bureau
- tidal forcesDifferential gravitational pull across bodies
- king tidesExceptionally high tidal events
- floodingOverwhelming water accumulation
- gravitational pullAttractive force between masses
measurement · calculations · prediction · astronomy · observation · research · data · phenomenon
Giving off steady light
- luminousEmitting or reflecting light
- orangeCitrus with segments
- goldenBright yellow, or precious
- enormousExtremely large in scale
looming · dramatic · photography · silhouette · skyline · moonlit · spectacular · breathtaking
perigee
Orbit's closest point
brightness · magnitude · apogee · distance · elliptical · syzygy · illumination · nightsky · celestial · horizon
folklore
Inherited cultural narratives
- mysticismPursuit of divine union
- lunar calendarTimekeeping by moon phases
- omenProphetic indicator
mythology · ritual · spiritual · astrology · Native American · Celtic · lunacy · moonstruck · fertility · tides
NASA
Federal space exploration bureau
- tidal forcesDifferential gravitational pull across bodies
- king tidesExceptionally high tidal events
- floodingOverwhelming water accumulation
gravitational pull · measurement · calculations · prediction · astronomy · observation · research · data · phenomenon · percentage
glowing
Giving off steady light
enormous · looming · dramatic · photography · silhouette · skyline · moonlit · spectacular · breathtaking · radiant