The Night Sky Guy

2012 Supermoon Rising – A Grand Spectacle

Here is my shot of the May 5th supermoon rising above the St. Lawrence river off the island of Montreal. I was fortunate enough to  be with over hundred people gathered by a local dock to enjoy the event. It was nice to see so many people interested enough to get outside with their families and enjoy nature at its best!

credit: Andrew Fazekas

While many in astronomy circles debate all the unnecessary hype given in the general media to this somewhat regularly occurring lunar event the fact is that it got people to look up at the heavens who might otherwise not have. As an astronomy popularizer I would say that while yes it may be a ‘non’event’ to professional eggheads – it is something that everyone, ie. casual skywatchers -  in the world can connect to and enjoy. It also offers a wonderful educational opportunity to space geeks like me to explain the real science that is going on behind what they are seeing. It also offers the chance to get folks excited about stargazing and the wonders of the universe.

I mean, just look at how poetically beautiful that full moon looked this weekend. Makes you start pondering what the silvery orb actually is and how humans have gazed at it for countless generations and even walked on it. Having been a skywatcher for 30 years now i can tell you it gets me excited still.

I recommend everyone at one point to take the time and look at a full moon rising. It’s a beautiful and awe-inspiring thing. So in my opinion -  while all the hype might be a little overboard – in the end it’s all worth it when you are outside with your family and friends soaking up all the moonlight.

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