Alongside the peak of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower this week, astronomy fans will also be treated to the final supermoon of 2020.
On Thursday, May 7, the full moon will rise in the sky – ironically getting in the way of the meteor shower because of the extra brightness spoiling the view.
But still, the full moon this week, known as the ‘Flower Moon’ will provide the last chance to see a supermoon this year.
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it to its closest proximity to Earth – called its perigee.
A supermoon appears brighter and larger than normal, and is anything from 14% to 30% brighter than the average moon.
Astrologer Richard Nolle first defined the term supermoon in 1979 as he explained that the phenomenon ‘is a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90 per cent of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit.’
In order for a moon to be propelled to supermoon stardom it would need to come within 226,000 miles from the Earth.
Why is this week’s full moon called the Flower Moon?
Each full moon of the year has its own moniker and this week is no exception. It’s known as the Flower Moon as a mark of the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere.
‘The Maine Farmer’s Almanac first published “Indian” names for the full Moons in the 1930s,’ explained Nasa in a blog post about the event.
‘According to this almanac, as the full Moon in May and the second full Moon of spring, the Algonquin tribes of what is now the northeastern United States called this the Flower Moon, for the flowers that are abundant this time of year. Other names include the Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon.
The space agency points out that this full moon holds different meanings for different cultures.
‘This full Moon corresponds to Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, a holiday observed by Buddhists across Asia. Sometimes informally called “Buddha’s Birthday,” it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.
‘The actual date of Vesak varies depending upon the calendar in use in the particular country or region, but this year for most areas it falls on or near the day of this full Moon.’
This supermoon is the last in a series of four supermoons that we’ve been treated to in recent months – so make sure you can spare some time to get out and see it.
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