Extreme Moons of January

©MLMonroe

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines PERIGEE as "the point in outer space where an object traveling around the Earth is closest to the Earth." What we refer to as Super Moons happen when the moon is at its perigee. It looks closer and larger than it does at other times.

In January of 2014, there are two Super Moons; two times during the same month when the moon is at its perigee. Both of those times are New Moons so the size of these moons is not observable to the naked eye. The first of these moons arrived on January 1st; the second will arrive on January 30th.

The opposite of PERIGEE is APOGEE, defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as "the point in outer space where an object traveling around the Earth is farthest away from the Earth."

And in January 2014, there was a Mini Moon, the moon at its apogee, on January 16th. This Mini Moon was the first full moon of 2014; it was at its farthest point away from the Earth.

Extremes and somewhat unusual occurrences to be happening not just once in a month, or even twice, but three times in one month. What do you think that promises for the year of 2014?

Smallest Moon of 2014

Happening now! Tonight!
Wait ~~ isn't the moon always the same size? Maybe, but it doesn't always look the same size in our perception of the night sky. With good readon. The MiniMoon is at its apogee ~ it's farthest point away from the Earth. Just as the SuperMoon, which is at its perigee, appears larger, so the MiniMoon appears smaller.

Go outside and look at the night sky ~ take a good look at the moon. If you hadn't heard that it was a MiniMoon, would you have noticed the difference? Really?

http://www.space.com/24300-smallest-full-moon-2014.html

This is the difference if you put two versions of the moon next to each other .... and who can do that in the night sky?

Is the comparative size of the moon significant to you? Why? Does your body or do your emotions respond to the moon? Differently when it's closer or farther away? If you don't know, pay attention tonight and next month and compare!