This article discusses the moon's elliptical orbit and apogee, the point where it's farthest from Earth. While the moon's size change is minimal, the article explains the phenomenon and when to expect the moon at apogee.
Jam packed issues filled with the latest cutting-edge research, technology and theories delivered in an entertaining and visually stunning way, aiming to educate and inspire readers of all ages. The moon's orbit is elliptical, or oval-shaped, meaning its distance from Earth changes throughout its 27.3-day cycle around our planet. Sometimes it's closer to us, which is why we experience"is farther away, making it appear smaller.
The exact moment of apogee occurs at 8:10 p.m. ET tonight, but the moon will be below the horizon at the time. For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the moon won't rise above the eastern horizon until shortly before midnight, still at the farther end of its orbit from Earth. The moon will be in the, and approaching its next phase, the half-lit third quarter moon, which occurs on Feb. 20.
After third quarter, the next phase in the moon's cycle will be the new moon on Feb. 27. One day later, the moon will be just a one-day-old sliver, appearing between Saturn and Mercury in the night sky.Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsIf you get a good photo of the moon, and would like to share it with Space.
Brett is curious about emerging aerospace technologies, alternative launch concepts, military space developments and uncrewed aircraft systems. Brett's work has appeared on Scientific American, The War Zone, Popular Science, the History Channel, Science Discovery and more. Brett has English degrees from Clemson University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In his free time, Brett enjoys skywatching throughout the dark skies of the Appalachian mountains.
MOON APOGEE ORBIT CELESTIAL PHASES
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