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Super Moon Position
updated: May 05, 2012, 3:51 PM
By Aquaholic
Tonight we will get to witness the so-called Super Moon, here is a better explanation of the annual phenomenon:
Saturday night's full moon will loom especially large, thanks to a phenomenon that happens about once a year.
Known technically as a perigee moon, the "super moon" will appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than the other full moons of 2012.
Because the moon follows an elliptical orbit around the Earth, its distance from Earth varies. Full moons that occur when the moon is the closest, on the perigee side of its orbit, are particularly big and bright.
NASA scientists say the moon will reach that point at 8:34 p.m. PDT. In a case of near-perfect timing, one minute later the moon will line up with the Earth and sun, making for a brilliant display.
My question to Edhatters, does anyone know where (geographically) the moon will rise over Santa Barbara? Yes, I've looked at the moon phase website, but I'm a bit challenged in the compass department! And, where are the best spots to photograph the moonrise?
Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)
MACPUZL
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2012-05-05 04:16 PM |
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Moonrise for us is just after 7:44 PM, and the azimuth of the Moon will be 112 degrees, so 22 degrees south of due east. If you're using a compass, our current magnetic declination is just under 13 degrees east, so look about 10 degrees (the width of a fist at arm's length) to the south of where your compass says east is. I would choose Shoreline Park for photographing it.
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AQUAHOLIC
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2012-05-05 04:23 PM |
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Thanks MACPUZL! I understand that!
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MACPUZL
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2012-05-05 04:26 PM |
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Aqua - Great! My numbers were for a flat horizon, so the time you see the Moon may be a tad later and a skosh more south, but I don't think it'll be enough to matter.
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COMMENT 277395
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2012-05-05 04:37 PM |
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We will be at the county bowl - listening to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero's .. the perfect place to watch the moon rise.
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MACPUZL
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2012-05-05 04:40 PM |
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Even though it'll look bigger near the horizon, and is slightly bigger because it's a perigee Moon, you'll still be able to cover it up with the tip of your pinkie finger held at arm's length.
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AQUAHOLIC
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2012-05-05 05:00 PM |
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Thanks 398...I am so getting that app! Very cool. @MACPUZL, I just learned this from the photoephemeris website..... The 2012 Supermoon tonight will be the closest coincidence of perigee and full moon in at least 221 years! Jeez, no pressure, hope I can come up with a good image!
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COMMENT 277406
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2012-05-05 07:07 PM |
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Now we have Global Mooning?
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COMMENT 277411
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2012-05-05 07:48 PM |
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I thought you said "Weest"...
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MACPUZL
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2012-05-05 08:42 PM |
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Aqua - 221 years is nothing, astronomically speaking ;) There was quite a crowd at Shoreline.
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MACPUZL
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2012-05-05 09:04 PM |
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Nice article here: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/02may_supermoon/ Apparently, last year's perigee Moon was a tiny bit closer than this one.
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CHICA
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2012-05-05 09:42 PM |
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I saw it earlier and it is gorgeous! I don't have a good camera to take pictures, so I'm sure there will be posts later or tomorrow.
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COMMENT 277441
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2012-05-06 07:30 AM |
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People were driving like insane cows last night. Go figure.
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MTNDRIVER
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2012-05-06 07:36 AM |
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Thanks for all the info, macpuzl. What a moon it was!
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COMMENT 277493
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2012-05-06 10:37 AM |
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Wait.... a comment was removed for being helpful? Is it me or is Nanny getting their pink frillies in a wad? C'mon, lighten up and be a useful overseer not a bully with a messiah complex. This message will be removed in 1.....2.....3....... (Rule 7b.....do NOT question Nanny!!)
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