Goa to witness SuperMoon for the first time since 1948 this year

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14 November 2016 is not just a day to celebrate Children’s day. But also a day to witness the Supermoon since 1948. SuperMoons were already seen 4 times this year and yet another one on 14th December for the 5th time. This one will not be as visible as the one on November 14 2016.

Talking about Children’s day, November 14 an AstroKids Club will be formed today for children below the age of 15. A book and website will also be launched.

The technical term for SuperMoon is ‘Perigeesyzygy’ of the Earth-Moon-Sun system commonly know as SuperMoon. This Moon will be more clearly visible as compared to the other supermoons that were seen ealier.

SUPERMOON

A SuperMoon is the accidental meet of the closest approach the full Moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit. This causes the largest clear-cut size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth.

When the moon is at its closest to the Earth it is known as ‘perigee’ . When it is at its farthest from the Earth, it is known as the moon’s ‘apogee’.

The Earth’s satellite has already begun to appear bigger in size and more clear than usual. The moon will be a full moon on this day. It will be the brightest at 30%, bigger at about 14% and at its closest to the Earth.

To make this day special and memorable, the newly renovated public astronomical observatory that is run by the Association of Friends of Astronomy, at Junta House, Panaji, will be opened on this special day. They have made preparations to project this wonder on a big screen through a newly acquired astrograph connected to a camera.

Friends of Astronomy president Satish Nayak asked people to ignore rumors of tsunamis, floods and the like that will emerge on the occurrence of the SuperMoon. These are all hoax, he said, adding that the phenomenon is being hyped too much.

The year 2033 will witness a supermoon coinciding with a total lunar eclipse  that will be a real spectacle, he said.