What astronomical term defines the Moon's closest orbital approach to Earth, central to the supermoon concept?
Answer
Perigee
The concept of a supermoon is fundamentally tied to orbital mechanics, specifically when the Moon reaches perigee. Perigee is the precise point in the Moon's elliptical path where it is at its minimum distance from the Earth. When a full moon or new moon coincides with this perigee alignment, the event is termed a supermoon. This closeness results in the Moon appearing marginally larger and brighter in the night sky compared to when it is at its furthest point, apogee. While the difference is subtle, the physical reality of being at perigee is the defining characteristic that astronomers use to categorize this orbital positioning.
Related Questions
Who initially popularized the term "supermoon" in the 1970s according to source background?What astronomical term defines the Moon's closest orbital approach to Earth, central to the supermoon concept?Compared to the furthest point in its orbit (apogee), how much larger in diameter can a supermoon appear?What specific sleep deficit was noted in participants taking longer to fall asleep during full moon nights?What psychological concept is often suggested to explain why nurses and ER staff believe chaos spikes during a full moon?Why is the apparent alignment between the menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle generally considered coincidental rather than causal?The gravitational effect of the Moon on the human body is considered negligible compared to its influence on which Earth feature?What conclusion did studies analyzing total volume and behavioral health volume in EDs find regarding perigee full moons?Historically, before artificial lighting, what consequence could increased illumination from a bright moon have had on human patterns?What Greek word, meaning month, is related to the word for Moon and forms the root of the term menstruation?