Puerto Ricans will be able to appreciate, from this afternoon until dawn on Wednesday, an impressive astronomical event when a full Supermoon event occurs that can be seen with the naked eye starting at 7:45 p.m.., reported the Astronomy Society of Puerto Rico (SAPR) through written declarations.
A supermoon event occurs when the full moon phase of the Lunawhich is the only natural satellite of the planet Earthcoincides with its perigee or when it reaches its closest point to Earth during its elliptical or oval orbit. Having an oval orbit, there are times when the Moon is closest to Earth, and times when it is further away.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA, in English) maintains that the distance between the Earth and the Moon varies between 224,000 to 249,000 miles. The closest point the Moon reaches in its orbit around the Earth is known as the perigee. Meanwhile, the farthest point between the Moon and the Earth, in said orbit, is known as the apogee.
NASA added that the Moon reaches these points approximately every 28 days, which corresponds to the length of the lunar cycle. However, a Supermoon does not always occur when a perigee occurs, as it must also coincide with a full moon phase. As this combination occurs, the Moon appears 14 to 17 percent larger and up to 30 percent brighter.
When the Moon is at its full moon phase and at its furthest point, it is known as a micromoon.
As it is the first full moon in June, the phenomenon is known as a Strawberry Supermoon. However, the name does not have to do with the possibility that the Moon shows a color similar to strawberries, but rather that it is the name given by some native American tribes because it marks the harvest time of strawberries, he explained. Professor Juan Villafañe, president of the SAPR.
“Although today’s full Supermoon is commonly referred to by many as the Strawberry Moon, the Moon will never turn red or pink. The only thing that will happen is that it will look 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than normal, since it will be closer to Earth,” added Villafañe.
The event can be seen with the naked eye after sunset, although people with telescopes will be able to see the lunar surface with greater visibility than at other times in its cycle and orbit.
Experts maintain that its most impressive point will occur just after its exit, when its size will be appreciated and when it will be close to the horizon.