Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why does the distance between the Moon and Earth vary?
Why does the distance between the Moon and Earth vary?
- The Earth's orbit around the Sun is elliptical, causing variations in gravitational pull on the Moon.
- The Moon's elliptical orbit alternately brings it closer to and farther from Earth. (correct)
- Changes in the Earth's atmospheric pressure cause fluctuations in the Moon's orbital path.
- The Moon's orbit is affected by the gravitational forces of other planets in the solar system.
Which of the following statements accurately contrasts the lunar perigee and apogee?
Which of the following statements accurately contrasts the lunar perigee and apogee?
- Apogee is the closest point in the Moon's orbit to Earth, resulting in supermoons; perigee is the farthest point.
- Perigee represents the Moon's average distance from Earth, while apogee is the point where the Moon's gravitational pull is strongest.
- Perigee represents the Moon's closest approach to Earth; apogee is the point farthest from Earth. (correct)
- Perigee is the point in the Moon's orbit farthest from Earth; apogee is when the Moon aligns with the Sun.
What is the primary reason the November full moon is called the Beaver Moon?
What is the primary reason the November full moon is called the Beaver Moon?
- It coincides with the peak of beaver mating season, a time when the animals are most visible.
- It's when beavers are most active building dams, altering the landscape, and therefore easily observed.
- Beaver-Moon rituals were important cultural ceremonies for Native American tribes during this time.
- It marks the time when beavers take shelter in their lodges for the winter. (correct)
How does the November 15, 2024, supermoon compare to the November 2016 supermoon?
How does the November 15, 2024, supermoon compare to the November 2016 supermoon?
What is a key characteristic that differentiates a supermoon from an average full moon?
What is a key characteristic that differentiates a supermoon from an average full moon?
Besides 'Beaver Moon,' what are some other names for the November full moon that reflect seasonal or historical contexts?
Besides 'Beaver Moon,' what are some other names for the November full moon that reflect seasonal or historical contexts?
What astronomical event follows the November 15, 2024 supermoon?
What astronomical event follows the November 15, 2024 supermoon?
What is the approximate average distance of the Moon from Earth at its perigee?
What is the approximate average distance of the Moon from Earth at its perigee?
What misconception about supermoons is addressed?
What misconception about supermoons is addressed?
During which era did the name 'Beaver Moon' gain significance due to trapping the animals for their winter coats?
During which era did the name 'Beaver Moon' gain significance due to trapping the animals for their winter coats?
Flashcards
Supermoon
Supermoon
The full moon coinciding with the Moon's closest point to Earth in its orbit (lunar perigee).
Lunar Perigee
Lunar Perigee
The point in the Moon's orbit when it is closest to Earth.
Apogee
Apogee
The point in the Moon's orbit when it is farthest from Earth.
Beaver Moon
Beaver Moon
Signup and view all the flashcards
Average Perigee Distance
Average Perigee Distance
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- The full moon on November 15, 2024, will be the last of four consecutive supermoons for the year.
- The previous supermoons were August's Blue Moon, September's Harvest Moon, and October's Hunter Moon.
- The next supermoon after November 15, 2024, will occur on October 7, 2025.
- Supermoons can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to an average full moon.
Supermoons
- Supermoons happen when a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth in its orbit, known as the lunar perigee.
- On November 15, 2024, the Moon will be approximately 224,853 miles (361,866 km) from Earth.
- The closest supermoon in recent history occurred in November 2016, when the Moon was 221,524 miles (356,508 km) away.
Moon's Orbit
- The Moon's orbit is elliptical, causing variations in its distance from Earth.
- The farthest point in the Moon's orbit is the apogee, about 253,000 miles (407,164 km) from Earth.
- On average, the perigee distance is about 226,000 miles (363,711 km) from Earth.
Beaver Moon
- The November full moon is commonly called the Beaver Moon.
- The name "Beaver Moon" refers to the time of year when beavers seek shelter in their lodges for the winter.
- During the North American fur trade era, November was the season for trapping beavers for their winter coats.
- Alternative names for the November full moon include Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, and Digging Moon.
Supermoon Myths
- Some people think supermoons can trigger earthquakes or tidal waves, but scientific evidence does not support this.
- Instead, scientists recommend appreciating the opportunity to take stunning photos and to reflect on our beautiful planet.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
