Celebrating November's supermoon

This year, the full moons of October, November and December all take place when the moon is the closest point in its orbit around Earth. And because the moon is so big and bright, people call it the supermoon. The one this past Monday was even more special. It is nearer to Earth than it’s been since 1948!

 

As a result, it appears 14 percent larger than when it is at its farthest point away. Besides appearing larger and brighter than usual, Monday’s moon (also called a Perigee Moon) had a more dramatic effect on the tides.

If you missed the supermoon on November 14, don’t fret. According to NASA, there will be another on November 25, 2034. I’m already making plans.

You may have heard some people refer to the full moon on Monday as a Beaver Moon. That comes from a term given to November’s full moon by the colonists and Algonquin tribes. It was the time to set beaver traps before the swamps froze so that they’d have an ample supply of warm fur for the winter.

 

Other Native American tribes called November’s moon the Full Frost Moon.

Did you know that the time it takes the moon to spin on its axis is identical to the time it takes the moon to revolve around Earth? It’s true, and that’s why the face of the moon is almost always the same.

Need to drop a few pounds before the holidays start? Multiply your weight (in pounds ot kilograms, it doesn’t matter) by 0.165 and that’s what you’d weigh on the moon.

All kidding aside, I am a firm believer in celebrating one-of-a-kind events. So the paintings you see are three I created to commemorate last Monday’s Beaver, First Full Frost, Perigee supermoon. Hope you enjoy them.