The largest, brightest full moon of 2009 will rise tonight at sunset. Because of the Moon's imperfect orbit, it will be approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than any other full moon this year. This is because it will be at perigee (or nearest to Earth) Saturday night, bringing it about 31,000 miles closer to Earth than at apogree. This effect will also raise tides higher than normal because of its proximity.Named the Wolf Moon by Native Americans (because hungry wolves howled at the edge of their camps in winter), tonight's show may give us something to howl about, too.
Be sure to check out this amazing astronomical sight. The Moon should be visible right at sunset wherever you are located (unless, of course, clouds get in the way).
I could stare at that picture all day.
ReplyDeleteBtw, did you hear about that "boom" from deep space? What do you make of it?
http://current.com/items/89693180/scientists_hear_mystery_boom_from_space.htm
I'll go check that out, Heather. Sounds mysterious...and definitely my kinda thing. :)
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