The lunar sky is about to come alive with mesmerizing spectacles over the next few months. Starting with August’s supermoon, stargazers can look forward to several celestial events.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The first of four supermoons this year rises next week, providing tantalizing views of Earth’s lifelong companion. Stargazers can catch the first act on Monday as the full moon inches closer than usual, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than normal.
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter project scientist Noah Petro emphasizes the supermoon as earlier than expected. “I like to think of the supermoon as a good excuse to start looking at the moon more regularly,” he stated.
This August supermoon sets the stage for some incredible lunar displays. Following closely, September will also boast a supermoon which aligns with a partial lunar eclipse, creating what promises to be stunning visuals.
October's supermoon will showcase the moon's closest approach this year, leading up to November’s final supermoon of the series. Each of these events offers unique experiences for enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
What exactly makes this moon so special? The term 'supermoon' is more pop-culture must-have than strict science, occurring when the full moon coincides with its nearest point to Earth—an occurrence happening just three to four times each year.
Petro clarifies, saying, “A supermoon isn’t bigger, but it can appear so.” Even though the difference is slight, he encourages people to actively compare different full moons.
This year's supermoons closely measure their distance from Earth. August's supermoon will hover about 224,917 miles away, making it appear extraordinary, yet September's moon will be nearly 3,000 miles closer, especially enticing for eclipse watchers.
The October supermoon is the standout, reaching just 222,055 miles from Earth, making it the year’s closest appearance. November will see the moon returning to 224,853 miles from us.
So, what’s significant for us observers? Scientists note the differences might be best recognized through brightness, with supermoons shining about 30% brighter than average. It’s the perfect time to indulge your inner astronomer.
With countries ramping up lunar exploration, including landers and plans for returning astronauts, interest in the moon has never been higher. Petro adds, “It certainly makes it more fun to stare at,” as celestial activities will pique curiosity among casual stargazers.
Meanwhile, amid whispers of lunar explorations, there’s also emerging discussions on timekeeping on the moon. Recent observations reveal time actually ticks about 58.7 microseconds quicker each day due to lesser gravity on the lunar surface.
The push for establishing lunar time sees support from the International Astronomical Union (IAU), who voted recently on recommending space organizations collaborate to develop this new timing standard. Susan Stewart of the U.S. Naval Observatory explained, “That’s the crux of our resolution: to work together to establish this standard time.”
With lunar missions typically operating on Earth time, establishing this new clock will be critical as multiple countries plan upcoming explorations. The European Space Agency touted the necessity for synchronizing to this prospective moon clock last year, as they continue developing their lunar missions.
Stewart notes how progress is underway with the White House directing NASA to conceptualize this plan. The expectation is for something substantial to hedge closer to finalization by 2026 as lunar missions increase.
A physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Bijunath Patla, acknowledges the importance, stating, “I think the community has realized this needs to be done.”
This newfound gravitational environment is fascinating, considering time on the moon differs substantially. If you’re following this exciting advancement, the lunar timekeeping initiative is merely the tip of the iceberg when it involves lunar exploration.
While many look forward to the upcoming supermoons and lunar eclipses, others are already contemplating the practical nuances of living and working on the moon. Observations from recent moon missions have discovered potential future settlements as scientists explore feasible housing options.
China's recent lunar probe engagement indicates growing interest and competition among nations to explore and gather lunar samples, including the historic samples from the far side of the moon. The American space endeavors come with significant momentum as NASA's Artemis program is positioning itself to return astronauts to the lunar surface, where opportunities for research and exploration remain expansive.
This trio of lunar spectacles will not just dazzle the night sky but also provide rich learning for future explorers and scientists. Whether through eclipses, supermoons, or revolutionary timekeeping proposals, our lunar neighbor continues to captivate the imagination of our world.
