City misses date with ‘Super Moon’

“The distance of 3,56,955 km between Earth and the moon was around 9.05 am. So,for the western hemisphere,the view would have been better as it would still be night for them. However,this distance does not have any astronomical significance as it is an annual phenomenon. This occurrence will take place in June next year,” said Arvind Paranjpye,director,Nehru Planetarium,Mumbai.

He explained that the phenomenon — called the ‘Super Moon’ — is named so because at this time of the year,the moon is closest to the Earth.

The exact opposite of this will take place on November 28,when the moon will be farthest from earth.

Supriya Prabhune of Vishwa Scientific,an astronomy group that organised a sky gazing session for school students on Sunday,said,“Though there is not much of serious astronomical value in a Super Moon,amateur astronomers find it fascinating as this is a good chance to observe the moon’s surface.”

Paranjpye said,“On Sunday,the moon was about 11 per cent bigger than it will be on November 28.”