Biggest, brightest Supermoon of 2022 to lighten up skies on July 13

For those who missed the opportunity to witness the June ‘Strawberry Supermoon,’ the stage is all set for the world to see the next one lined for the year – on July 13. Known as the ‘buck moon,’ the phenomenon will occur on a full-moon night when the Moon is closest to the Earth.

The Moon will appear full for about three days, from early Tuesday morning to early Friday morning.

The Buck Moon will orbit closest to the Earth than any other full Moon in 2022, making it the brightest and biggest supermoon of the year. As per NASA, the Moon on Wednesday (2:30 pm IST) will arrive at its closest point to the Earth – in what is called a ‘perigee’ distance of 3,57,264 km away.

As per NASA, a supermoon appears 17 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than other moons in a year.

Owing to the decreasing distance between the Moon and the Earth, there could be tidal disturbances and coastal flooding. Fisherfolk have been advised to take caution during the period.

The last supermoon of the year – #StrawberryMoon – as seen in Puri, Odisha. pic.twitter.com/nljcHVFfmZ

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

The term ‘supermoon’ was first coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and refers to either a new or full moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90 per cent of perigee, its closest approach to Earth.

The Moon has been called by different names by different communities – ‘Buck Moon’ as it symbolises the growth of new antlers on male deer or bucks in early summers. It is also called the ‘Mead Moon’ by Europeans which symbolises a traditional country drink made of honey and fruits.

As per reports, the full moon theoretically lasts just a moment and that moment is imperceptible to ordinary observation. For sky-watchers and photographers, the rare celestial phenomenon will be a treat for the eyes.

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Following the appearance of ‘Strawberry Moon’ on June 14, social media platforms were flooded with pictures of the same. It is for the second time in a year, that the world will witness a similar phenomenon for the second time. The term ‘strawberry’ didn’t indicate that the Moon was pink in colour but the name came from a native American tribe who named it after the strawberry harvesting season.

As per reports, some scientists in the past have associated tragic earthquakes and tsunamis with similar celestial phenomena while others have brushed off such assumptions saying it can only have some impact on tides.

The supermoon will be happening around the same time when the Sun is farthest from the planet.