Supermoon 2023: Why is it different, significance, relation to deer and Chandrayaan-3
Produced by: Hitansh Gaur
People who love starry nights and moon gazing were in for a treat on Monday as the first Supermoon of 2023 occurred on the night of July 3.
Supermoon 2023
The term Supermoon is used to describe a rare phenomenon when a full moon occurs but when it is also making its closest approach to the earth in its elliptical orbit. This makes the moon look larger and brighter, giving it a breathtaking spectacle.
What is a Supermoon ?
The Supermoon that occurred on Monday is also known as Buck Moon because in the month of July male deer grows antlers as part of an annual cycle of shedding and regrowth.
Buck Moon
During a Supermoon, the lunar world appears larger due to an optical illusion also known as Moon Illusion. Due to this the moon appears larger on the horizon than when it's high in the sky. This happens due to the trees and buildings as they provide a frame of reference. The contrast between these objects and the moon when it’s at the horizon makes it seem larger than usual.
Larger Moon
During a Supermoon, the moon also seems to be more magnified and the patches on it appear clearer when it's rising or setting on the horizon.
Magnified view
There is no special equipment required to view a Supermoon, just a place with no trees or objects blocking the beautiful view. It is even better to find a place away from the city lights as it makes the experience more magical.
Equipment required
The Supermoon seen on July 3 is the first of four happening this year. The next two Supermoons will appear in August while the last one will be seen on September 29.
How many Supermoons will occur in 2023 ?
The moon was just 3,57,418 kms away from the earth last night making it significant for the researchers and countries to get ready with their exploration missions like India is getting ready for the Chandrayaan-3.
Moon’s closest approach
The follow-up mission of Chandrayaan-2 will be launched on July 13 as per the ISRO Chief S Somanath. Chandrayaan-3 is in the final stages of being integrated with India's heaviest launch vehicle, the GSLV Mk-III which will guide it towards the moon. The main objective for this third Chandrayaan mission is to do a soft-landing on the surface of the Moon.