Supermoon and Beaver Moon Explained

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Questions and Answers

What makes the November 15, 2024, full moon special?

  • It's the first supermoon of the year.
  • It's the last of four consecutive supermoons in 2024. (correct)
  • It's the closest supermoon in recent history.
  • It will not occur again for another 10 years.

How does a supermoon compare to an average full moon in terms of appearance?

  • A supermoon is only brighter, but not larger.
  • A supermoon appears the same size and brightness.
  • A supermoon appears smaller and dimmer.
  • A supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter. (correct)

What is the primary cause of the Moon's varying distance from Earth?

  • The Moon's perfectly circular orbit.
  • Earth's irregular orbit around the sun.
  • The Moon's elliptical orbit. (correct)
  • Gravitational interference from other planets.

Which of the following is the definition of the lunar apogee?

<p>The Moon's farthest point from Earth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the November full moon traditionally called the Beaver Moon?

<p>Because it signals the time beavers take shelter for winter. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides 'Beaver Moon,' what is another traditional name for November's full moon?

<p>Frost Moon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What approximate distance will the Moon be from Earth during the November 15, 2024, supermoon?

<p>224,853 miles (361,866 km) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the scientific consensus regarding supermoons and their impact on Earth?

<p>While anecdotal evidence suggests a correlation, there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking supermoons to earthquakes or tidal waves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the typical distance of the Moon at perigee and apogee, what is the approximate percentage difference in distance between these two points?

<p>Approximately 12% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 2016 supermoon was recorded at 221,524 miles (356,508 km) from Earth. Given that the moon on November 15, 2024, will be about 224,853 miles (361,866 km) from Earth, what is the percentage difference in proximity between compared to the 2016 event?

<p>Approximately 1.5% farther (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which dates will the 2024 Beaver Moon be visible?

<p>November 14th to 16th (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what time will the Beaver Moon reach peak illumination on November 15th, 2024?

<p>4:28 p.m. EST (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which constellation will host the Pleiades star cluster (Seven Sisters) near the Beaver Moon?

<p>Taurus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Besides the Beaver Moon, what is another traditional name associated with the November full moon, reflecting the changes in nature?

<p>Frost Moon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How much larger can a supermoon appear compared to a regular full moon?

<p>Up to 14% larger (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the general direction of the moon's movement across the sky?

<p>Rises in the east and sets in the west (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the astrologer Richard Nolle coin the term 'supermoon'?

<p>1979 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the visibility of planets during the Beaver Moon, which of the following statements is most accurate?

<p>Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter will all be visible. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the Beaver Moon appears 30% brighter than usual, what is the approximate magnitude difference between its apparent magnitude and that of an average full moon, assuming a logarithmic relationship where a lower magnitude indicates greater brightness?

<p>Approximately 1.14 magnitude brighter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Given that the Beaver Moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth, and assuming its elliptical orbit maintains consistent parameters, how would the tidal forces during this supermoon phase compare to those during an average full moon, considering that tidal force is inversely proportional to the cube of the distance?

<p>Tidal forces would be noticeably stronger, potentially leading to higher high tides and lower low tides. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Lunar Perigee

The point in the Moon's orbit when it is closest to Earth.

Lunar Apogee

The point in the Moon's orbit when it is farthest from Earth.

Supermoon

A full moon that appears larger and brighter than average because it occurs near the Moon's closest point to Earth (perigee).

Beaver Moon

November's full moon, named because it's the time when beavers take shelter for the winter.

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When is the Beaver Moon?

November 2024's Beaver Moon peaks on November 15th at 4:28 p.m. EST (2128 GMT).

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2024 Beaver Moon Significance

The last of four consecutive supermoons in 2024, appearing larger and brighter.

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Best Viewing Location

The enhanced view will be most striking near the horizon due to atmospheric effects.

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Pleiades Star Cluster

A cluster of stars located in the Taurus constellation, shining near the Beaver Moon.

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Visible Planets

Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter will be visible in the night sky during the Beaver Moon.

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Alternative Names

Other names for the Beaver Moon that reflect seasonal changes and animal behavior.

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Moon's Visibility

The full moon is opposite the sun, rising in the east at sunset, and setting in the west at sunrise.

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Study Notes

  • The full moon on November 15, 2024, will be the last of four consecutive supermoons in 2024.
  • The next supermoon after November 15, 2024, will occur on October 7, 2025.
  • Supermoons appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon.
  • Supermoons happen when a full moon coincides with the lunar perigee.
  • Lunar perigee is the Moon's closest point to Earth in its orbit.
  • On November 15, 2024, the Moon is expected to be about 224,853 miles (361,866 km) from Earth.
  • The November 2016 supermoon was the closest in recent history, at 221,524 miles (356,508 km).
  • The Moon's orbit is elliptical, causing variations in its distance from Earth.
  • Apogee is the farthest point in the Moon's orbit from Earth, about 253,000 miles (407,164 km).
  • At perigee, the Moon averages 226,000 miles (363,711 km) from Earth.
  • The November full moon is commonly known as the Beaver Moon.
  • The name "Beaver Moon" signifies the time of year beavers seek shelter in their lodges for the winter.
  • During North America's fur trade, it was also the season for trapping beavers for their winter coats.
  • Additional names for the November full moon include Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, and Digging Moon.
  • There is no scientific evidence that supermoons cause earthquakes or tidal waves.

Beaver Moon Specifics (November 15, 2024)

  • Will be visible on November 15th, 2024, at 4:28 p.m. EST (2128 GMT).
  • The moon will be visible from November 14th to 16th.
  • Rises in the east around sunset and sets in the west around sunrise.
  • Peak illumination is at 4:28 p.m. EST.
  • The Pleiades star cluster (Seven Sisters) will shine nearby in the Taurus constellation.
  • Four planets (Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter) will be visible.
  • Enhanced view is most striking near the horizon.

Beaver Moon Names & Meaning

  • Other names include Frost Moon and Deer Rutting Moon.
  • Names herald the arrival of colder weather and frosts.

Supermoon Terminology

  • The term "supermoon" was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979.

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