The Supermoon Phenomenon: What You Need to Know?

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A supermoon is a phenomenon that occurs when a full or new moon reaches its closest point to Earth during its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. In 2024, we’re in for a spectacular celestial treat, with four consecutive full supermoons.

The first of these will light up the sky on August 19. While supermoons are breathtaking to observe, they often lead people to wonder: does a supermoon actually affect us here on Earth? Is its gravitational pull any different? Let’s take a closer look.

Does the Moon’s Gravitational Pull Change?

Yes, the moon’s gravitational pull on Earth does vary depending on its distance from us. When the moon is at its farthest point in its orbit, called apogee, its gravitational influence is weakest. On the flip side, when the moon is at perigee, or its closest approach to Earth, its pull is strongest.

However, this difference in gravitational force has no noticeable impact on humans.

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Understanding Gravity’s Role

The force of gravity between two objects depends on:

  1. The mass of both objects
  2. The distance between them

While the moon is incredibly massive, so is Earth. The gravitational pull between the two is quite strong, but the effect on humans is negligible because our mass is small in comparison. For example, an average person weighing 176 pounds (80 kilograms) would only experience a difference of 73 milligrams in gravitational force when comparing the moon’s farthest and closest points. That’s barely 1/14th the weight of a paperclip.

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Even when accounting for the gravitational effect of the sun during a supermoon, the total difference only rises to 110 milligrams—still just 1/9th the weight of a paperclip. Such a small effect is virtually imperceptible and far less significant than the everyday forces we encounter, like standing near a tall building or a mountain.

The Real Effect: Supermoon Tides

Although the moon’s gravitational effect on individuals is minuscule, its influence on the Earth’s oceans is much more noticeable. This is where tides come into play.

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Tides are caused by the differential gravitational force of the moon on different parts of Earth. Because the side of Earth closest to the moon experiences a stronger gravitational pull than the side farthest away, the planet is slightly stretched along the line between Earth and the moon. While the solid body of Earth hardly changes, the oceans, being more fluid, respond to this stretching, resulting in higher-than-usual tides—especially during a supermoon, when the moon is closer to Earth.

On average, this effect raises tides only a few feet, but it’s enough to make a difference in coastal areas.

Why Supermoons Draw Attention?

Despite their minimal physical effects on human beings, supermoons captivate people’s imaginations and often lead to misconceptions about their influence. The reality is that the psychological impact of supermoons—our fascination with the moon’s beauty and mystery—far outweighs any physical consequences.

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Can You Notice the Size Difference?

One question people often ask is whether a supermoon looks noticeably larger than a regular full moon. The answer is yes, but only if you know what to look for. A supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. However, these changes are subtle and gradual, making them difficult to observe with the naked eye unless you can compare a supermoon to a regular full moon side by side.

For most people, the size difference is hard to detect without the aid of photography or precise measurements. But some keen-eyed observers claim they can spot the extra-large appearance of a supermoon.

Where Did the Term “Supermoon” Come From?

The term supermoon wasn’t coined by scientists but by an astrologer. Despite its informal origin, the term has gained widespread popularity thanks to the internet and social media. In scientific circles, however, the focus is more on perigean tides—the higher tides that occur when a new or full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, while supermoons certainly inspire awe and curiosity, they don’t have any significant physical effects on human beings. Their gravitational impact is imperceptible and much smaller than everyday influences like being near a mountain. However, the tides do feel the moon’s pull, leading to slightly higher-than-usual waves during a supermoon. So, enjoy the beauty of the supermoon, but rest assured that its effects are far from “super.”

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