Full Moon Height: When is It Highest?

In summary, the position of the full moon in relation to the Earth is affected by both the tilt of the moon's orbit and the tilt of Earth's axis, with the winter solstice being the time when the moon is at its highest point in the sky. The 5 degree difference in orbital planes accounts for some variation, but the direction of the moon's orbit has an 18.2 year cycle independent of Earth's seasons.
  • #1
haiha
136
1
Hi all,

I've just read that the last full moon (29/6) was noted as the moon was lowest in the year. So there can be the full-moon when the moon can be the highest. Is that around Sep23 (equinox) or Dec22 (solstice)?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
It would be at the winter soltice. When the Sun is high in the sky the Moon is low in the sky and vice-versa.
 
  • #3
edit: misunderstood question.
 
  • #4
Janus said:
It would be at the winter soltice. When the Sun is high in the sky the Moon is low in the sky and vice-versa.

So it doesn't have anything to do with the tilt of the moon orbit againt the Earth orbit around the sun?
 
  • #5
haiha said:
So it doesn't have anything to do with the tilt of the moon orbit againt the Earth orbit around the sun?
That accounts for 5 degrees of it, but the tilt of Earth's axis with respect to Earth's orbital plane (the ecliptic) has a lot more effect as it is 23.5 degrees. And that 5 degrees from the difference in orbital planes is not dependent on the solstices or equinoxes, as the direction it points (longitude of ascending node +-90 degrees) has an 18.2 year cycle that is completely independent of Earth's seasons.
 
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FAQ: Full Moon Height: When is It Highest?

When is the full moon at its highest point in the sky?

The full moon reaches its highest point in the sky around midnight, although this can vary slightly depending on your location and the time of year.

How does the height of the full moon change throughout the month?

The height of the full moon changes throughout the month due to the moon's elliptical orbit around the Earth. At its closest point (perigee), the full moon will appear higher in the sky, while at its farthest point (apogee), it will appear lower.

Does the full moon's height affect its brightness?

Yes, the full moon's height does have an impact on its brightness. When the full moon is higher in the sky, it is closer to the observer and appears brighter. Conversely, when it is lower in the sky, it appears dimmer due to the thicker layer of Earth's atmosphere it has to pass through.

Can the full moon's height affect tides and ocean levels?

Yes, the full moon's height can affect tides and ocean levels. When the full moon is at its highest point in the sky, it exerts a stronger gravitational pull on the Earth, resulting in higher tides. This is known as a spring tide.

Is there a specific time of year when the full moon is at its highest?

No, the full moon's height varies throughout the year and is not dependent on a specific time of year. It is affected by the moon's elliptical orbit and its position in the sky at any given time.

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