SCIENCE

The full moon Sunday will appear larger, brighter and redder than usual. As it so happens, it will also be going through a lunar eclipse. The two events—the “supermoon” and the eclipse—have occurred in tandem only five times since the turn of the 20th century. (Newsweek)

Check out our great time-lapse image of a lunar eclipse.

Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit.

Discussion Ideas

• What is a supermoon? Watch the short NASA video above for some help.
  • A supermoon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than normal.
    • A supermoon is a result of the moon’s elliptical orbit. The moon reaches the point farthest from the Earth at its apogee, and the closest point to the Earth at its perigee. A supermoon is simply a perigee full moon—when it is almost 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles) closer to Earth than at its apogee. A supermoon appears 14% and 30% brighter than an apogee full moon.

• What is a “blood moon”? Watch the NASA video or take a look at our beautiful photo for some help.
  • A blood moon is simply another name for a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens when the moon passes behind the Earth and into its shadow. The shadow gives our favorite satellite a red tint, earning it the nickname “blood moon.”

• Recent rumors have suggested that a giant asteroid will hit Earth around the time of the “super blood moon.” What do asteroids and other near-Earth objects have to do with the moon’s orbital path? Are we at risk?
  • Nothing and no. “There is no scientific basis—not one shred of evidence—that an asteroid or any other celestial object will impact Earth on those dates,” said Paul Chodas, manager of NASA’s Near-Earth Object office.

TEACHERS’ TOOLKIT

Newsweek: Super Blood Moon? Sunday to Bring Rare ‘Supermoon’ Lunar Eclipse

NASA: Supermoon Lunar Eclipse video

Nat Geo: Eclipse Stages photo

Nat Geo: What is an orbit?