Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason that the distance between the Earth and Moon varies?
What is the primary reason that the distance between the Earth and Moon varies?
- The Moon's orbit around the Earth is elliptical, causing variations in distance. (correct)
- Changes in the Earth's atmospheric pressure affect the Moon's orbital path.
- The Earth's irregular rotation pattern causes the Moon's orbit to fluctuate.
- Gravitational forces from other planets in our solar system influence the Moon's distance.
By what percentage can the supermoon appear larger compared to the average full moon?
By what percentage can the supermoon appear larger compared to the average full moon?
- Approximately 25 percent
- Approximately 10 percent
- Approximately 14 percent (correct)
- Approximately 20 percent
What is the term used to describe the Moon's farthest point from Earth in its orbit?
What is the term used to describe the Moon's farthest point from Earth in its orbit?
- Perihelion
- Lunar node
- Perigee
- Apogee (correct)
Which of the following is the traditional name commonly associated with the full moon in November?
Which of the following is the traditional name commonly associated with the full moon in November?
What was significant about the 2016 supermoon mentioned in the text?
What was significant about the 2016 supermoon mentioned in the text?
When is the next supermoon expected to occur, following the November 2024 supermoon?
When is the next supermoon expected to occur, following the November 2024 supermoon?
Besides the Beaver Moon, which of these is an alternate name for November’s full moon?
Besides the Beaver Moon, which of these is an alternate name for November’s full moon?
Which of these best describes the scientific consensus around the claim that supermoons cause earthquakes or tidal waves?
Which of these best describes the scientific consensus around the claim that supermoons cause earthquakes or tidal waves?
Flashcards
What is a supermoon?
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the lunar perigee, the moon's closest point to Earth in its orbit.
What is the Beaver Moon?
What is the Beaver Moon?
The Beaver Moon is the name given to the full moon in November. It is known for the time beavers prepare for winter by building lodges and storing food.
When is the last supermoon of 2024?
When is the last supermoon of 2024?
The supermoon on November 15th, 2024, is the last supermoon of the year.
How much bigger and brighter can a supermoon be?
How much bigger and brighter can a supermoon be?
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How does a supermoon happen?
How does a supermoon happen?
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Why does the distance between the moon and Earth change?
Why does the distance between the moon and Earth change?
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What is the farthest point in the moon's orbit?
What is the farthest point in the moon's orbit?
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What is the closest point in the moon's orbit?
What is the closest point in the moon's orbit?
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Study Notes
November 2024 Supermoon
- November 15, 2024, will be the last supermoon of the year.
- It follows a series of supermoons: August's Blue Moon, September's Harvest Moon, and October's Hunter Moon.
- The next supermoon will be October 7, 2025.
Supermoon Characteristics
- Supermoons can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon.
- This happens when the full moon aligns with the lunar perigee (closest point to Earth).
- The November 2024 supermoon will be approximately 224,853 miles from Earth.
- This is further than the 2016 supermoon, which was the closest in recent history at 221,524 miles.
Moon's Orbit and Distance
- The distance between the Earth and Moon varies due to its elliptical orbit.
- The apogee is the farthest point in the orbit, placing the Moon approximately 253,000 miles from Earth.
- At perigee, the average distance is around 226,000 miles.
Traditional Names for November Moon
- November's full moon is often called the Beaver Moon.
- This name is linked to beavers preparing for winter.
- Other names include Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, and Digging Moon.
Supermoons and Natural Disasters
- Some believe supermoons can cause earthquakes or tsunamis.
- Scientific evidence does not support this.
- Instead, scientists encourage enjoying the spectacular views.
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