Residents in the region are set to witness a rare astronomical event on Wednesday night - the biggest and brightest moon of the year. Known as a supermoon, this celestial occurrence happens when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth during a full moon, approximately every 14 months.
As a result of this alignment, the moon will be about 226,000 miles away from Earth, significantly closer than its average distance of 251,000 miles at its farthest point. This proximity amplifies the moon's appearance, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% more luminous than usual.
The moon is expected to rise on Wednesday at 4:42 p.m. and set the following day at 8:06 a.m., with partly cloudy skies predicted for the evening. However, this could impact visibility of the spectacle. Skywatchers can expect a particularly vibrant display, although the difference in size may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye.
While supermoons have no significant impact on temperatures, they can cause higher-than-normal tides, which may lead to flooding if combined with other weather conditions such as heavy rain or already high water levels. Paul Fitzsimmons, a lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service Mount Holly station, stated that the moon itself is not the primary cause of tidal issues but rather its interaction with other weather factors.
In comparison to last year's supermoon event, which caused flooding in the region due to a low-pressure storm moving southward and bringing northeastern winds, this year's alignment shows a significantly lower risk of flooding. The tidal flow and winds are largely offshore, reducing the likelihood of coastal flooding.
The lead meteorologist emphasized that predicting the impact of supermoons on flooding is complex, citing multiple factors that can influence the outcome, such as wind direction, ocean currents, and atmospheric conditions. As Fitzsimmons noted, "it's very nuanced" and difficult to attribute any given weather event solely to a supermoon.
As a result of this alignment, the moon will be about 226,000 miles away from Earth, significantly closer than its average distance of 251,000 miles at its farthest point. This proximity amplifies the moon's appearance, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% more luminous than usual.
The moon is expected to rise on Wednesday at 4:42 p.m. and set the following day at 8:06 a.m., with partly cloudy skies predicted for the evening. However, this could impact visibility of the spectacle. Skywatchers can expect a particularly vibrant display, although the difference in size may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye.
While supermoons have no significant impact on temperatures, they can cause higher-than-normal tides, which may lead to flooding if combined with other weather conditions such as heavy rain or already high water levels. Paul Fitzsimmons, a lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service Mount Holly station, stated that the moon itself is not the primary cause of tidal issues but rather its interaction with other weather factors.
In comparison to last year's supermoon event, which caused flooding in the region due to a low-pressure storm moving southward and bringing northeastern winds, this year's alignment shows a significantly lower risk of flooding. The tidal flow and winds are largely offshore, reducing the likelihood of coastal flooding.
The lead meteorologist emphasized that predicting the impact of supermoons on flooding is complex, citing multiple factors that can influence the outcome, such as wind direction, ocean currents, and atmospheric conditions. As Fitzsimmons noted, "it's very nuanced" and difficult to attribute any given weather event solely to a supermoon.
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... and I can imagine some of you might be a little nervous about those higher-than-normal tides 
. Don't worry, I'm sure everything's gonna be okay 
. Those scientists are always working hard to keep us safe and informed 
. Just remember to check the weather forecast beforehand and take any necessary precautions if needed 
. And honestly, even if it's not the most dramatic display, just enjoying the moon's beauty is worth something special 
.
. I remember when I was a kid, my grandma would take me out at night during a full moon, and it was always like magic 
. And yeah, it's cool that we can see the moon up close for once. But for real though, I hope those residents are prepared just in case... you never know what Mother Nature's gonna throw at ya 
️.
And yeah, visibility might be an issue but that's all part of the adventure right? 
I'm also low-key worried about flooding though... those high tides can get pretty intense 
.