In addition to the phenomenon of the Supermoon, where the Moon appears larger and brighter than usual, there are many other special phenomena that cause changes in the size, brightness, or color of the Moon.
What is a Supermoon?
Considered the only natural satellite of Earth, the Moon moves around Earth in an elliptical orbit. When the Moon reaches its closest position to Earth (perigee), it appears larger from our perspective.
The Moon is 30% brighter during a Supermoon.
Notably, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly at the moment the Moon is at perigee, it will appear significantly brighter and larger from Earth. This phenomenon is known as Supermoon. Compared to the size of the Moon at its farthest point from Earth (apogee), during a Supermoon, the Moon is 30% brighter and appears 14% larger.
Other Special Lunar Phenomena
Besides the Supermoon, there are other special times when the size, brightness, or color of the Moon differs from ordinary days.
Full Moon
Full Moon. (Illustration).
This phenomenon occurs when Earth is situated between the Moon and the Sun. At this time, the entire illuminated portion of the Moon is clearly visible from Earth, making the Moon appear “fullest”.
Harvest Moon
This is a full moon phenomenon that occurs in the middle of autumn during harvest time. At this time, the Moon is usually brighter than at other full moon phases.
New Moon
This phenomenon occurs when the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun. At this time, the illuminated part of the Moon is not visible from Earth.
Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse. (Illustration).
This is a special case of the new moon. The Moon being positioned between Earth and the Sun during a new moon does not mean all three bodies are perfectly aligned. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon obscures the Sun while all three are aligned in a straight line.
Lunar Eclipse
This phenomenon occurs when Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are aligned, and the Moon is in Earth’s shadow, thus not receiving sunlight.
Black Moon
This is another special case of the new moon. When the illuminated portion of the Moon falls into the Earth’s shadow, the Moon completely disappears from the sky, not observable without any light during the night. However, a few days after this phenomenon, a crescent of silver will gradually appear in the sky. Most experts agree that a second new moon in the same month creates the phenomenon known as the black moon. The last black moon occurred in October 2016, with the next expected in 2019.
Blue Moon
This is a special case of the full moon. Most experts believe that the second full moon in a month creates the blue moon phenomenon. This is the opposite of the black moon phenomenon. Essentially, the blue moon indicates that this occurrence is very rare, not implying that the Moon appears blue.
Blood Moon
Blood Moon. (Illustration).
The blood moon phenomenon occurs during a supermoon at the time of a lunar eclipse. At this moment, the Moon enters Earth’s shadow and gets obscured. However, the light reflecting off the surface of the Moon is refracted as it passes through Earth’s atmosphere before the total lunar eclipse occurs, causing the Moon to appear a vivid red, like blood.
