The coming lunar eclipse combined with Supermoon event is bound to be quite a spectacle this coming Sept. 27. The last time that such an occurrence was noted was in 1982.

Supermoon is a term used to describe the event wherein the moon is at its closest position as it orbits the earth. During this period the Moon appears to be larger, hence the term Supermoon.

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With the event fast approaching, NASA scientists tried to explain the phenomena. The explanation was written in an article available at NASA website and clarksvilleonline. Lunar eclipse occurs every year. But for lunar eclipse to coincide with a Supermoon event comes only once every three decades.

Noah Petro, deputy project scientist for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter at Goddard Space Flight Center, said that the event happened because the orbit of the Moon is not a perfect circle. Petro works at the NASA-funded space flight center which is at Greenbelt, Maryland.

Petro further goes on to explain, "When the moon is farthest away it's known as apogee, and when it's closest it's known as perigee."

The event on Sept. 27 is going to be a perigee full moon, meaning the Moon will be at its closest position relative to Earth. Petro added that although called Supermoon, there are really no physical changes that occur in the Moon other than that it seems to appear larger.

The Moon is relatively closer to Earth during perigee, scientists claimed that during perigee the Moon comes about 31, 000 miles closer to earth than in apogee. In the coming Sept. 27 event, the Moon will be blocked by the shadow casted by the earth as it travels between the Sun and the Moon. During this time the moon may appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter.

Ancient civilizations such as the Incan and the Mesopotamians believed that lunar eclipse brings about bad omen but scientists from NASA negates this belief. NASA scientists claimed that lunar eclipse occurs twice each year.

NASA scientists have already predicted lunar eclipse events even in the coming future. Petro said that to predict lunar eclipse events is easy, the only thing one has to note for is the Earth's position, the Moon and the Sun.

The lunar event this coming Sept. 27 was estimated to last for an hour and 12 minutes. It will be visible among North and South American countries, European countries and African countries. Some parts of West Asia and the Eastern Pacific may also witness the upcoming lunar spectacle.

The Supermoon will begin to dim starting 8:11 P.M. EDT, but the total eclipse will start at 10:11 P.M. EDT.

Tagssupermoon, total eclipse, Lunar Eclipse, apogee, perigee