Astronomical Fiesta with the Supermoon and The Meteor – May 5&6
No, the above title is not an announcement of an age-old band concert. It is, in fact, what it is. This weekend, look up to the skies and see the “Supermoon” and you also might chance on a meteor shower.
What is a Supermoon?
There are two things about the moon that we know are relevant to it being a phenomenon called Supermoon. First, we know that the moon experiences several phases and that it is brightest when it is in its in a full phase. Second, we know that the moon travels in an elliptical orbit around the earth. So there are times when it is closer to the Earth. A Supermoon occurs when the moon is both at its full phase and closest to the Earth. The effect is that we see the moon larger and brighter.
Here is an infographic for a visual explanation –
Source SPACE.com: All about our solar system, outer space and exploration
For this year, the Supermoon is expected to occur this weekend, on May 5th 11 at around 11:35 pm, said the the Philippine Astronomical Society as reported by ABS-CBN News.
As a bonus, if you have a high tech telescope or camera, you might also get to chance the eta Aquarid display of meteor shower. The said meteor shower has been ongoing since April 19 and will end on May 28. However, it is expected to peak at 60 meteors per hour on May 5, this according to Yahoo News.
Have a great weekend!