Lantern FestivalNight, that is, the fifteenth day of the first lunar monthLantern FestivalIt is one of the important traditional festivals in China. And this year'sLantern FestivalNight has a special meaning as it is associated with a rarityAstronomyPhenomenon – minimum fullMoon phasesencounter, making it even more rare.
The so-called minimum full moon refers to the moon that appears near apogee during the full moon, making the full moon relatively small in size. This yearLantern FestivalAt 20:30 of the night, the moon reaches its fullest (looking) moment, and this round of "".Lantern Festival"Month" is the most miniature of the full moon in 2024. You know, the "minimum full moon" and the "maximum full moon" are not accidental, howeverLantern FestivalIt is rare to meet the smallest full moon at night. This rare condition will only occur a few times over a long period of time.
To understand how the smallest Full Moon is formed, we first need to know that the Moon itself does not emit light, it only emits lightSunlightand become bright. And it is the moon that orbits the earth and the observer sees the moon andThe sunThe relative position of the is constantly changing, resulting inMoon phaseschanges. Only when the moon is coveredThe sunWe can only see the full moon when it is fully illuminated, facing the side of the earth.
And how does the Moon "work" today? If, at the time of the Full Moon, the Moon is near apogee, then the Full Moon will appear to comparePrimary onepoint, which forms the so-called "minimum full moon". The full moon at 20:30 on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month this year coincides with the apogee at 22:58, so it forms the "smallest full moon" of this year.
We've all seen the full moon, but did you know that the full moon doesn't just look like one? In fact, we can still observe it during the full moon every yearSupermoon, Red Moon andBlue Moon
First of allSupermoon。So-calledSupermoon, which refers to the appearance of a full moon near perigee, which visually appears larger and rounder. At perigee, the apparent diameter of the Moon is about 14% larger than at apogee, and its area is also about 30% larger. When one big and one smallTwo moonsWhen hung in the sky at the same time, the difference between them can be seen at a glance. The smallest Full Moon of the year is metSupermoon, presenting us with a different kind of spectacular scene.
This is followed by a red moon. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the full moon occurs, which is when the moon enters the shadow of the earthThe sunIt does not shine on the moon, which will appear to turn red. This is because other rays of light pass through the earthAtmosphere, which hits the surface of the moon, giving it a red appearance. Such a phenomenon was demonstrated during the total lunar eclipse on November 8, 2022.
And finallyBlue MoonBlue MoonIt doesn't mean that the moon actually turns blue, but that there are two full moons in a month. The full moon that appears for the second time is calledBlue MoonBlue MoonIt's uncommon, so it's particularly noticeable. August 31, 2023, coincidesSupermoonwithBlue MoonAppearing at the same time can be described as a rare visual feast.
InLantern FestivalOn the occasion of enjoying this round of the smallest full moon with their families at night, many netizens said that "spending a good full moon and reuniting people make people look forward to it". After all, family reunion is one of the most important values in Chinese culture. On this special night, we will be full of love and anticipation, admiring the moon and tastingLantern Festival, to share the moment of reunion.
Perhaps, we are forAstronomyThe wonder won't feel like thatAstronomyThe science popularization experts are so professional and profound, but this does not prevent us from loving and revering the natural landscape. In this hectic modern society, we often overlookNatureThe beauty that is given to us. When we look up at the starry sky and appreciate the mysteries of the universe, we can also find back the awe of life and the love of life.
In short, the rare encounter between the Lantern Festival night and the smallest full moon makes us feel the magic and beauty of the natural world. In the company of family members, the moon viewing shares the moment of reunion, which entrusts people's pursuit and yearning for a better life. Perhaps, on this special night, let's pause, reflect on the meaning of life, feelingsNatureSharing a moment of happiness with loved ones will become a cherished memory.