On 6th May 2012 at 9.03 a.m. Moon will reach the closest point (Perigee) in it orbit. Further at 9.05 a.m (3.35 a.m. UTC ) moon would reach its
monthly full Total phase when its disk is fully illuminated. All in all Moon in fullest phase coinciding with it reaching Perigee point makes up for event nicknamed as "Super Moon" or scientifically speaking this phenomenon is known as "perigee moon."
‘‘Supermoon’ is
a situation when the moon is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit than on
average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as
a full moon. So, the moon may seem bigger although the difference in its
distance from Earth is only a few percent at such times” Dr. Jim Garvin,
chief scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
Direction & Time to see - 5th & 6th May :On 5th or 6th May best time
to watch Moon is when is close to horizon.
On 5th May for People India & around Moon is still on its way to reach Perigee point and be totally illuminated. However People in USA can see this May 5, at 11:35 p.m. EDT due to Timezone followed. Anyhow People can still take a chance to witness Not Yet Super Moon on 5th May.
On 6th May
Full Moon (9.05 a.m.) & Moon reaching Perigee point (9.03 a.m.) on 6th May.As at 9 am Sun very much in sky people should wait upto 7.02
p.m. when Moon Rises on 6th May to witness looking toward East Direction.
Percentage of Change: This May’s full Moon is a "super Moon,” as much
as 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons of 2012.
Why is it bigger/brighter, importance? Journey
of Moon around earth in oval shape orbit is responsible for full moons to
appear in varied size. Importantly Full moon occurs every month, but occurrence
of Full Moon when moon is at its closest (perigee) point is rare.
Further
full Moons that occur on the perigee side of the Moon's orbit seem extra big
and bright.
Is Super Moon a rare event ?
Super perigee Moons are actually fairly common. The Moon becomes full
within a few hours of its closest approach to Earth about once a year on
average.
When is last time it occurred? Distance? The
last such coincidence occurred on March 19th, 2011, producing a full
Moon that was almost 400 km closer than this one i.e. 356,577 kilometers (on 19 March 2011).
Whereas on 6th May 2012 (it
will be at 3,56,953 km) .
They so much Media Attention ?
1. 19 March 2011 Super Moon followed by Earthquake can be said as first reason.
2. Enthusiasts who observed the data of Perigee Moon for 18 years noticed that Event of 19 March 2011 Moon was very close compared to many of previous years.
3. This year Moon is just 400 km far from what it was in 2011 March event.
Does Moon effect human body ? Will Super Moon Effect us ?
According to NASA Release dated 2nd May 2012 "The majority of modern studies, however, show no correlation between the
phase of the Moon and the incidence of crime, sickness, or human
behavior" .
Here is another link Click here
It is true Super Moon brings increased tides ?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there is
nothing to worry about. In most places, lunar gravity at perigee pulls
tide waters only a few centimeters (an inch or so) higher than usual.
Local geography can amplify the effect to about 15 centimeters (six
inches)--not exactly a great flood.
Will it cause any Natural Catastrophe or Earthquakes? Will another 11 April 2011 Fukushima earthquake event occur ?
Scientifically speaking no evidence as so far been found linking events far in space to what happens on earth particularly regarding natural disasters. The factors responsible for Earthquakes etc...are different.
