Posted on Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 10:42 a.m.
Supermoon makes for a supershow over Whitmore Lake
By Steve Pepple
The so-called supermoon rises over Whitmore Lake in northern Washtenaw County shortly after sunset Saturday. The moon had a orangish-yellow glow as it rose over the horizon but appeared brighter and whiter as it rose in the sky.
Steve Pepple | AnnArbor.com
Thanks to clear skies in the Ann Arbor area, the so-called supermoon put on a spectacular show shortly after sunset Saturday night.
A supermoon occurs when there is a full moon at the same time the moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. It has been 18 years since the last supermoon.
In Whitmore Lake, the full moon had an orangish-yellow glow as it first rose over the horizon. The moon appeared whiter and brighter as it rose in the sky.
Comments
Ann English
Wed, Mar 23, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.
At 7:45, I couldn't see the moon in the sky at all, but when I saw it over an hour later there in the east, it appeared to be shining through a mist, nothing like it looked eighteen years ago. I was hoping that some other place in the area had a better viewing area for the supermoon, and was glad to see this photograph of the moon in such an area.
A2Susie
Mon, Mar 21, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
We saw it at about 8:00 PM, and it was indeed as it looks in your beautiful photo: huge and bright orange. Thank you!
Michael Smith
Mon, Mar 21, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
Nice shot, Steve. I went to Elbel Field and then to parking structure on Fourth and William but we didn't get the orange glow because it was too high above the horizon. It was pretty though.
Ross
Mon, Mar 21, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
I think the perigree supermoon is only about 8% larger than normal. So if you don't check the full moon-rise very often, you wouldn't really notice any difference. Especially if you don't see it until its well up in the air and away from any points of reference. But it was also really bright! Even with the clouds that moved in during the late evening, it was bright as heck outside.
HADES
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.
That's an awesome picture. But I think this whole event was blown out of proportion. My girlfriend and I watched the moon rise but from where we were it did not look any bigger than usual.
tdw
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
I couldn't see it very well stupid trees were in the way
tdw
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 6:19 p.m.
Off the subject here but how is this related to a almost 2 yr old Peggy Lampman article ?
Kai Petainen
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
great shot!
WalkingJoe
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
My wife and I both commented that the Moon did look somewhat bigger and it was nice having a clear sky to view it. I know the myth that the full Moon is responsible for crazy and loony behavior but the full Moon always makes me feel at ease and tranquil. Of course that's just me.
cibachrome
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
Is that sharp cheddar? And to think that the moon was once part of the Earth and is eventually leaving us. The things I will miss out on because of our celestially short lives....
Belgium
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:54 p.m.
Fail
Angela
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:06 p.m.
What a beautiful picture! I am always impressed by the loveliness that one can see if they just look up once in a while. Though many people were not all that impressed with the show, I found it to be awe-inspiring; just as I feel after watching meteor showers, harvest moons, or our own ISS passing by.... Looking at nature, and more specifically, space, brings a realization as to how small we really are. If we can just continue with that mindset, perhaps we could put our differences aside and be better people. Ah, I sound like a romantic Pollyanna today.
David Briegel
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
I always enjoy watching the moon in all of its phases. The last couple of nights have been spectacular! Thanks Steve for the great photo and story!
Cash
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
Great pic Steve! While we are given a short time on this planet it is up to us to enjoy the beauty...or take a pass. Thank you for the picture.
jcj
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:09 p.m.
"Looked like the same ole moon I always see,surely was not any bigger than the norm." Never let the facts get in the way of perception! It looked bigger to me but that is my subjective observation. It was not much of "a show" but impressive non the less.
zip the cat
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
With all the hype about some big show and once in a life time experience,what a let down. Looked like the same ole moon I always see,surely was not any bigger than the norm.