You may recall all the hype the media gave to the “Super Moon” of May 6, 2012 when the Moon was at its closest approach to Earth (perigee) when it would appear the biggest Moon of the year. Several people at the time asked me to photograph it so I did, although I considered it a bit of a “fool’s errand” (something that I do a lot of!). I was impressed, though, when I saw the November 29 APOD (link below) showing the size difference of the Moon comparing that May Super Moon to this November Apogee Moon! This difference in size is accounted for by only 30,000 miles distance! I guess that shows how close the Moon really is! I took my May and November Moon images remotely (attached mosaic) using the RCOS and H-alpha filter exposing for 0.05 sec. The May image shows the Moon 99.97% phase at 33.5 arcmin. in diameter; the Nov. image shows the Moon 97.83% phase at 29.5 arcmin. diameter. Note: I had to shoot the November image one day after Full Moon because the exact Full moon night was cloudy in Chiefland. Another interesting comparison is seen in the May 11 APOD (link below) comparing the size the May Super Moon to the Sun. Sorry – I will not be imaging the Sun with the RCOS so you won’t see that mosaic from me this month! We will be back up at CAV Dec. 13-16. See you soon. …..clear skies …. Bill & Binks
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap121129.html – May 2012 Super Moon Vs. 2012 Nov. Apogee Moon APOD
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap120511.html – May 2012 Super Moon vs. Sun APOD