Super Moon: The largest full moon of 2021 shines in the sky in April and May

In April-May 2021, the full moon is especially close to Earth – there is a large moon in the sky. How does the phenomenon arise and how is it observed.

The moon is a constant companion of the Earth, as it revolves around it in a slightly elliptical orbit and thus sometimes approaches it, and sometimes it moves a little further away from it. Taking a look at the moon once in a while, you don’t notice the difference because the size comparison is missing. But there are cases when the difference in size is even more pronounced: with Super Moon, a phenomenon that will happen the next time in April and May 2021.

If a full moon is at its closest location to Earth (perihelion) while it is fully illuminated by the sun, then this phenomenon is called a super moon. It is a generic term not used in science, but it is now widely spread. The term, which refers to an astronomical phenomenon, originally comes from astrology: astrologer named it Richard Knoll in 1979. According to Noll’s definition, a full moon must approach Earth at least 367,600 km in order to be considered a super moon.

Super Moon in April-May 2021: A full moon approaches Earth

The average distance between the Earth and the Moon is 384,400 km, and in 2021 the full moon will be four times closer to Earth than 367,600 km: in March and June. Two full moon can be particularly noticeable: on April 27, 2021, the distance between the full moon and the Earth was about 357,600 kilometers, on May 26, 2021, the distance between the Earth and the moon is about 357,460 kilometers – in theory, the term supermoon applies to both a full moon. The satellites of March and June 2021 also fall under this term.

Full moon in April-May 2021: The giant moon is bigger and brighter than usual

But will a giant moon be seen in the sky larger than a “normal” full moon? Yes, NASA says. According to the US Space Agency, the giant moon can appear up to 14 percent larger than the full moon at its farthest point in orbit (apogee). The difference between the Super Moon and the Moon Far from Earth corresponds roughly to the difference between a € 1 coin and a 2 € coin.

In addition, the giant moon appears brighter than a “normal” full moon. This is because the surface of the moon appears larger and more moonlight reaches the earth. According to NASA, a giant moon can brighten 30% more than the moon farther from Earth. However, it will be difficult for most observers to assess the size and brightness of the lunar disk. The magnitude of the perception of the moon usually depends on other factors, particularly proximity to the horizon or other objects (the so-called “moon illusion,” the cause of which is not fully understood).

Super Moon April-May 2021 – Moonrise and sunset times

If you want to see a Super Moon on April 27, 2021, you need to wake up early and enjoy a hidden view to the west. At 5.31 AM on April 27, 2021, the moon has reached full moon mode, so it is exactly 100% illuminated by the sun. When it rises again in the evening at 9:17 PM on April 27, it is actually not quite full anymore – but it should still pass as a supermoon.

The same applies to the giant moon on May 26, 2021: It reached the full moon position at 1:14 PM, but only rose at 9:39 PM. The full moon on May 26 is not only a super moon, but it is also the main representative of a lunar eclipse in some parts of the world. In parts of Southeast Asia, parts of the USA, parts of South America and Central America as well as all of Australia, it can be considered a total lunar eclipse. In Germany, on the other hand, you cannot follow the phenomenon in the sky. But you can also see the soaring stars of Lyrids from Germany until April 30th.

Super Moon in April and May 2021 has an impact on Earth

By the way, the giant moon is not only beautiful in appearance, but also has a noticeable effect on Earth. If the full moon is close to the Earth, then the tides are intensifying – a so-called spring tide arises (colloquially as tides). Rescue teams that released the container ship “Evergiven” from the Suez Canal in Egypt in March 2021 took advantage of this impact. It is not yet clear whether the full moon also affects a person’s sleep. (Tania Banner)