A radiant supermond about Berlin: a heavenly spectacle for everyone
A radiant supermond about Berlin: a heavenly spectacle for everyone
Berlin - Did you also notice the impressive sight of the moon on Monday evening or Tuesday morning? The celestial body shone particularly brightly and looked larger than usual. A super moon shone over the city!
This impressive spectacle is the result of a fascinating astronomical phenomenon. When the earth is between the moon and the sun, the full moon is completely illuminated. Astronomers refer to this state as an opposition. In such a orientation, the night turns into a stage for the radiant moon.
On Monday at 8:25 p.m., the Berliners saw the first supermond of the year. This was also the eighth full moon in the Wassermann constellation. The full moon rises in the sky once a month, and every three to four years an additional full moon can occur, which is also known as "blue moon".
What is a supermond?
But what exactly is a supermond? Well, it can appear up to 14 percent larger than an ordinary full moon. The term was shaped in 1979 by the astrologer Richard Nolle. According to the NASA, this expression defines the condition when the moon is 90 percent of its pending position.
The distance played a crucial role in the current supermond. That night the moon was about 360,000 kilometers from the earth. Already at the next full moon in mid -September, the moon will be closer to around 357,000 kilometers!
a global phenomenon
This impressive event was not only visible in Berlin. In many other cities worldwide, the Supermond shone in the sky. Pictures from Los Angeles, Copenhagen, San Francisco, Chengdu and Istanbul show the magnificent sight of the moon behind striking buildings and in urban landscapes.
In Copenhagen, the moon presents itself behind a statue, and in San Francisco it shimmers behind the Golden Gate Bridge. The photos from Chengdu in China and Istanbul also show the magic of the Supermondes in combination with impressive architecture highlights.
But despite the name "Blue Moon", this does not mean that the moon actually appears bluish. NASA explains that this term refers to the number of full moons within one month or to the third full moon in a season with four full moons. Usually three full moons take place in one season, but when a fourth is added, we speak of the seasonal "blue moon".
When we talk about the frequency of such astronomical events, we should also consider the fascination that they cause in people. A super moon often pulls the looks and stimulates the imagination.
A look into the future
For all moon enthusiasts there will be another supermond in September, and with every full moon night the moon is shown in new splendor. Each of these evenings is an invitation to observe the sky, to appreciate the beauty of nature and appreciate the little miracles around us.
do not miss the opportunity to look at the next full moon in the night sky - the moon becomes a familiar companion in the dark, which reminds us of how small we are in the face of the great universe.
The phenomenon of the Supermondes
A supermoon occurs when the moon is in its elliptical orbit on earth, the next point, the so -called Perigäum. This means that the moon appears larger and brighter than usual. Astrobiologists and astronomers have found that during a super moon the direct view of the moon surface is also clearer due to the increased brightness, since it reflects more sunlight. This impressive spectacle attracts not only amateur astronomers, but also photographers and the general public who have a special interest in heavenly events.
During the Supermondes, observers can often recognize a number of star types and even some of the external planets in the sky, since the light of the moon can influence the view of other sky objects. But despite the increased brightness, the moon remains a fascinating goal for telescopes and can be seen as it plays with various geographical characteristics on its surface: crater, mountains and widths.
Scientific meaning and observations
The Supermond is not only aesthetic, but also an important scientific aspect. Astronomers use these phases to further research the Ástronomy of the Moon surface. On closer inspection during a super moon, you can learn more about the geological processes that have shaped the moon, such as crater formation and other topographical changes. During the super moon phases, mobile operators have also reported increased use, since people often use their smartphones for photos on these special occasions.
cultural and historical effects
The moon plays an important role in many cultures and traditions worldwide. From the ancient Egyptians to Maya to modern cultures, the moon is often a symbol of time measurement, agriculture and spirituality. A super moon can trigger specific customs and rituals in different cultures that are often associated with the appearance of the moon, be it in the form of festivals or in astronomy.
Similar to historical events that took place around the moon phases, many cultures remembered important times based on the lunar calendar. Examples of this are harvest festivals that are often celebrated around full moons, which illustrates the close connection between agriculture and the moon phases.
- Nag