JohnK

The moon is in perigee in its orbit around Earth, i.e., its closest pass, and it is happening coincident with a full moon, making for the best moon watching of the year. Actually, last night was the best, but this evening is still outstanding. Even without a telescope or binoculars, the view is amazing. Many of the maria and oceani (forming the so-called "man-on-the-moon" are quite distinct to the naked eye, but pull out some binoculars, or better yet, a telescope, and you will be amazed at what you can see!

JohnK

Shannon

Awesome! I thought it was at perigee December 12-13, though? I remember hearing on StarDate that it would appear something like 40% brighter and 20% larger on that date (I'm completely messing up the stats, but you get the idea.)

It's a lovely clear night here. Need to buy a scope someday but have terrible, terrible night sky viewing in our yard. I've noticed a "Dark Sky Zone" sign on my bicycle rides w/Justin, however, not too far away from here. Suspect if I could find a place to park a scope there we could enjoy the night sky the way I remember it growing up as a kiddo.

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JohnK

Keep in mind, the moon orbits the Earth every month; actually about every 27 - 29 days, depending upon whether you use a frame a reference that is fixed to the stars or varies with the Earth's orbit around the Sun. So, the Moon will be in perigee in its orbit around Earth about once a month. What made last night and tonight so spectacular was that perigee coincided with a full Moon. According to a couple of sources I read, this particular Moon perigee will provide the best Moon watching of 2009. Hope you can get out and see it!

JohnK

JohnK

I was thinking about posting a link to a photo I shot of the Moon last night, but then I came across the following link of a near-perigee full Moon shot with a real camera, Canon 300D through a 1200 mm f/8 telescope:

full moon near perigee: Canon EOS 1000D / 450D - 300D Forum: Digital Photography Review

Enjoy!

JohnK