The Inconstant Moon (Synopsis)

“O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.” -
Romeo & Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2

Tonight holds a full Moon in store for skywatchers everywhere. Not just any old full Moon, mind you, but a Supermoon, the last one of the year.

Image credit: John Gaughan / Pete Lardizabal / WJLA, via http://www.wjla.com/pictures/2012/10/daily-eye-wonder-november-2012/super-moon-micro-moon--28099-1879.html. Image credit: John Gaughan / Pete Lardizabal / WJLA, via http://www.wjla.com/pictures/2012/10/daily-eye-wonder-november-2012/sup….

What makes a Supermoon so super? As it turns out, not a whole lot. But as far as the physics, astronomy and science of why-and-how the Moon appears to change -- sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly -- is concerned, there is a whole lot going on!

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons user Tomruen. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons user Tomruen.

Come let Summer Ash guide you through the science of our inconstant Moon!

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