Chris Infotainment

December’s supermoon, the last of three consecutive events in 2025, illuminated the night sky as the moon reached its closest point to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual. The phenomenon produced vivid nighttime views captured in various locations, including Sarıkamış in Kars. Residents admired the bright lunar display, which briefly lit up the landscape. Supermoons occur in clusters when the moon passes through the closest part of its elliptical orbit, and this one marked the year’s final occurrence. What is a Supermoon? A supermoon is a term used to describe a full moon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This event results in the moon appearing significantly larger and brighter in the sky compared to a typical full moon. The term "supermoon" was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, though it has since gained popularity among astronomers and the general public alike. Supermoons are not rare occurrences...

Understanding the Supermoon Phenomenon The moon will appear slightly larger and brighter on Monday night during what is known as a supermoon. This event occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit. As a result, the moon can look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year, according to NASA. While the difference may seem subtle, it happens several times a year and sometimes overlaps with other astronomical events like lunar eclipses. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, explains that "it's not really very unusual." However, this particular supermoon is the first of three expected this year, making it an interesting opportunity for skywatchers. Observing the Supermoon Everyone around the world can witness a supermoon without the need for special equipment, provided the skies are clear. However, the visual difference between a supermoon and a regular ful...

The Moon's Slow Retreat and Its Impact on Earth For billions of years, the moon has been a constant presence in our sky, serving as a celestial companion to Earth. However, this relationship is not static. A recent revelation from a physicist highlights that the moon is gradually moving away from our planet, a process that has been occurring for eons. Dr. Stephen DiKerby, a researcher in Physics and Astronomy at Michigan State University, has explained that the moon is receding from Earth by approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) each year. This gradual drift has significant implications for Earth itself. As the moon moves further away, it exerts a slowing effect on Earth’s rotation. Over time, this could result in longer days, although the changes are so minute that they are imperceptible within a human lifespan. Historical data suggests that around 70 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period, Earth’s days were only about 23.5 hours long. This indicates that the moon was...