Super Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse
What are they and why do they occur?
What is a Super Moon?
As most people know, the moon goes through several phases during a 29 and a half day period. The lunar cycle starts with a new moon, then changes to a half moon about half way through the cycle, then ends at a full moon. The 'fullness' of the moon is measured on how much of the moon is illuminated. There are several intermediate phases between full, half, and new as well. As the moon orbits Earth, it varies on how far it is from the planet, and when it is at its closest point, it is said to be at pedigree. A super moon is when the moon is both at pedigree, and in a new moon phase. At this point the moon is much brighter and larger than usual. A super moon can happen between 4-6 times a year.
What is a Total Lunar Eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse is when the Earth gets in between the Sun and the Moon while all three are in a straight line. Another explanation of how a lunar eclipse works is that the Moon moves into the shadow of the Earth. A lunar eclipse happens on average two to three years.
Taken from cod.edu webpage
Taken from google images
Taken from google images