Today marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when the sky will present a visual feast with the Supermoon. According to reports from the China Central Television, this year’s Supermoon coincides almost perfectly with the Mid-Autumn full moon, a celestial event that occurs on average every 60 years.
The image below showcases the Supermoon that will grace the sky this Mid-Autumn Festival.
From an astronomical perspective, the Supermoon is more accurately referred to as a perigee full moon, which means the moon is at its closest point to Earth during a full moon. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter.
This year, the moon will be at its fullest on September 18th, Beijing time. However, at this moment, the moon has already set across all regions of China, meaning that the entire country will miss the sight of the fullest Mid-Autumn moon.
According to experts, the best time to view the moon is when it first rises in the evening. This evening, the moon will be at its most beautiful for photography, with the moonrise occurring at 17:58 on September 17th and the moonset at 06:02 on September 18th. As the night progresses, the moon will appear even rounder.
The Supermoon phenomenon is caused by the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth, which causes the moon to vary in distance from Earth. When the moon is at its closest point to Earth, it appears larger and brighter in the sky.
The last time a Supermoon coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival was in 1955, and the next time it will happen will be in 2034. This makes this year’s event a rare celestial occurrence that enthusiasts and amateur astronomers alike are eagerly anticipating.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, families across China will gather to enjoy the full moon, share mooncakes, and celebrate the union of the moon and the earth. Despite the fact that many will miss the sight of the Supermoon at its fullest, the festival remains a time for joy, togetherness, and the appreciation of nature’s wonders.
In conclusion, this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival offers a rare opportunity to witness the Supermoon, but the best time to view the moon will be missed by those in China. However, the festival’s true spirit lies in the joy and togetherness shared by families and friends, regardless of whether they catch a glimpse of the Supermoon or not.
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