Skypatterns Skytalk

March 19th, 2011 the Full Moon in Virgo will be at it’s closest to Earth in the last 18 years. The term “supermoon” was coined by Astrologer Richard Nolle in the 70s, and is also known as the “lunar perigee”. It will be only 221,567 miles from Earth. Many astronomers are concerned this phenomenon will have an effect on climate patterns on Earth. Some people connect the lunar perigee or supermoon with catastrophe, like earthquakes.The moon’s gravity can even cause small but measureable ebbs and flows in the continents, called “land tides” or “solid Earth tides,” too. The tides are greatest during full and new moons.

In light of the recent earthquake in Japan, the astro-community is watching. Gordon Johnston, Planetary Program Executive for NASA, told FoxNews.com that “These will be the strongest tides of the month, but they won’t be much different from last year. They’re not that unusual from other tides around the full moon.”

“This coming full moon will be the brightest of the year,” Johnston added. The sky will be very stunning to photograph, so, don’t ever forget to bring your cameras.