Throughout the year the Moon varies its position with respect to the Earth. Its period of rotation around our planet is 27,322 days and the change in position with respect to the Sun gives rise to its lunar phases. It always shows us the same face due to the effect of the force of the tides, but what happens when it is in its closest position to the Earth?
When the Moon’s orbit is at its closest point to the Earth we call it perigee and it is the moment in which we can observe that the Moon looks brighter and larger than normal. It coincides with the full moon and gives rise to what we know as a supermoon. If you are a fan of astronomy, pay attention to the next lines.
what is a supermoon
According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit is closest to Earth (perigee) at the same time it is full. When this phenomenon occurs, our satellite shines brighter than normal and we can see it a little larger, hence the term supermoon.
From the most primitive cultures to the present, human beings have shared an inevitable fascination with the Moon. To such an extent that it depended on it to have a notion of time, since they did not record time as we do today, but instead attributed a characteristic nickname to each full moon to determine the seasons of the year.
The term supermoon was coined in 1979 by astronomer Richard Nolle. Some lunar perigees are closer than others, as the shape of the Moon’s orbit changes over time due to the gravitational influence of the Sun and other planets in the solar system. The average perigee distance is approximately 363,300 kilometers from Earth. It is a predictable phenomenon, so during 2022 we already know when and how many supermoons we will be able to observe.
2022 supermoons
During 2022 we will be able to observe a total of 3 supermoons, all of them with their respective nickname. The first supermoon of the year is strawberry and it will take place in spring. Specifically, we will be able to observe it on June 14. It is known by this name because it coincides with the time of year when strawberries begin to ripen, with the month of June marking the beginning of the harvest of this fruit.
After the strawberry moon and once summer has entered, the deer supermoon will take place on July 13. Its name was decided by the farmers, who realized that at that time of year the antlers of the male deer are in full growth.
About a month later, on August 12, we will see the Sturgeon Supermoon. Where does the name come from? Well, it is the best time of year to fish them. Supermoons affect the Earth giving rise to more extreme high and low tides. The Moon’s gravitational pull on the Earth’s oceans and crust “has a greater difference between the point on Earth closest to the center of the Moon and the point on Earth diametrically opposite.” Sometimes this leads to problems on some coasts if they coincide with a high swell or a storm.
