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Heavenly phenomenon provides extra viewing enjoyment

Program Code: 0909346140805005 | Souce:CNTV

STARGAZERS got a chance to view the biggest and brightest "supermoon" of the year in the small hours of Monday morning.

A supermoon looks much larger and brighter than usual. The phenomenon occurs only when the moon becomes full on the same day when it is closest to Earth. That’s why it’s also called the perigee moon, as the perigee is the closest point.

The moon’s orbit is elliptical. Its distance from Earth varies between 350 thousand and 400 thousand kilometers. That gives the impression of changing sizes when viewed from our planet.

The supermoon tends to bring higher and lower tides. But experts dismiss any link with natural disasters like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Last year’s supermoon appeared on June 23rd.




 

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