Chris Infotainment

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...

Upcoming Lunar Eclipse: A Celestial Event for Nigeria and Beyond On Sunday evening, September 7, 2025, a total lunar eclipse is set to take place, offering a rare and spectacular celestial event for observers across several regions. This phenomenon will be visible from early evening until late at night, providing ample time for people to witness the moon's transformation as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. A total lunar eclipse, also known as a lunar eclipse, occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon. The only light that reaches the lunar surface comes from the sunlight that is refracted through the Earth's atmosphere. This refraction causes the Moon to appear reddish, often referred to as a "blood moon." The total eclipse is expected to last approximately 82 minutes, making it a significant event for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The visibility of this celestial spectacle ex...

A Global Spectacle: The Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Sky-watchers around the world are preparing to witness a rare and breathtaking event — a total lunar eclipse that will transform the full Moon into a striking red hue, often referred to as a "Blood Moon." This celestial phenomenon occurs when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. As the Moon passes through the Earth's umbra, it takes on a deep red color due to the way sunlight is refracted through our planet's atmosphere. In the United Kingdom, the total eclipse began at 18:30 BST and is expected to last until 19:52. However, visibility of the event depends on local conditions, such as cloud cover and the position of the Moon in the sky. For those in the UK, the best viewing opportunities will come after the Moon has risen. It’s recommended to check the exact moonrise time for your location to maximize the chances of observing the eclipse. The event is not v...

A Rare Celestial Event: The Blood Moon Stargazers around the world are in for a rare and spectacular treat as a "Blood Moon" will be visible on Sunday night during a total lunar eclipse. This event, which can be seen across Asia, parts of Europe, and Africa, offers a unique opportunity to witness the moon turning an eerie deep red due to the Earth's shadow. The phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, causing the Earth to cast its shadow on the Moon. This alignment results in the moon appearing red, a color that has fascinated humans for centuries. The red hue is caused by sunlight being scattered and refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter blue wavelengths of light are scattered more easily, leaving only the longer red wavelengths to reach the Moon, giving it the characteristic "blood" color. Best Viewing Locations Those in Asia, particularly in India and China, will have the best view of the total lunar eclipse, which will...