Super Moon + Meteor Shower (May 5-6, 2012)

[TOMahwk 351]

So I don't know how many of you are aware of this... but:

 

http://www.cbsnews.c...on-of-the-year/

 

 

 

If you missed it last year, the

super perigee moon

is back for an encore performance.

On Saturday, the moon will be up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the other full moons of 2012, according to NASA.

That's because it will reach perigee, its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, at 11:34 p.m. ET and become full just a minute later.

Super perigee moons happen about once a year on average, but the moon of March 19, 2011, was nearly 250 miles closer than this week's moon, prompting wild calamitous speculations.

When the moon is on the perigee side of its orbit, it's about 31,000 miles closer to Earth than the apogee side. The only effects expected are slightly higher tides and many beautiful photos.

The annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower, which is associated with Halley's comet, will coincide with the coming perigee moon. Its light will likely dim all but the brightest meteors.

It should be a gorgeous display if the weather cooperates. The moon will appear largest and most dazzling when it's near the horizon, as seen in this photo gallery showing last year's super moon.

So get your tripod out, figure out the best lunar exposure, and snap away!

 

Basically, the moon is going to appear larger and the Eta Aquarid meteor shower will be at its peak tomorrow night. Now, I consider myself a manly man, but hot damn, I'm a sucker for romantic star-gazing. I'm going to watch it with my friend/prom date tomorrow night.

 

 

Anyhow are you guys going to stay out for the "Super Moon"? I'm praying that it's not too cloudy, as it has been today all day...

Edited May 5, 2012 by TOMahwk

[spas-ticShotty 3,584]

Awww man. I can't see the Super Moon from mah window . Wait, when does it happen?

 

As for the meteor shower, we won't be able to see it with Luna blocking the freakin' way, so that means no space rocks to see .

Shame as I've only seen one meteor in mah life, and it was an accident. It was pretty cool though

[TOMahwk 351]

It's supposed to peak around 11:34 PM EDT

[cuteycindyhoney 13,307]

The stars will help her escape!

[Flow 1,629]

We might also see Nightmare Moon's hoofprints XD

[KakeiTheWolf 652]

Luna's sending us a message.

[~Chaos~ 3,967]

This should be magical.

[Doctor XFizzle 8,669]

Bets on what we'll see first, Nightmare Moon's remnants or the TARDIS