A Micromoon occurs when a full or new moon reaches its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as apogee, creating a unique astronomical phenomenon that appears smaller and dimmer in the night sky.
During this celestial event, the Moon’s distance exceeds 405,000 kilometers from Earth’s center, significantly impacting its visual appearance and gravitational effects on our planet.
“A Full Micromoon’s angular size is 12.5%–14.1% smaller than a Super Full Moon, and 5.9%–6.9% smaller than an average Full Moon,” according to Time and Date’s astronomical guide.
The Moon’s orbital mechanics play a crucial role in this phenomenon. The average distance between Earth and the Moon is 382,500 kilometers, but this varies throughout its elliptical path.
Micromoons have notable effects on Earth’s tides. “During the micromoon phase, the gravitational force is significantly less, and tidal ranges drop below what is considered average,” as explained by Fox Weather’s lunar analysis.
For astronomy enthusiasts, Micromoons offer unique observation opportunities. The reduced brightness allows for better visibility of other celestial objects, making it an ideal time for stargazing and astronomical photography.
The contrast between a Micromoon and its opposite, the Supermoon, is striking. “The full moon appears to be upwards of 14% larger and some 30% brighter when it’s at perigee compared to when it is at apogee,” according to astronomical records.
Understanding these lunar phases helps scientists better predict and study tidal patterns, with Micromoons typically resulting in tidal variations about 5 centimeters smaller than regular spring tides.