Tonight, a spectacular celestial event awaits as the "pink supermoon" graces the skies of the UAE. While the moon reached its peak size at approximately 3:48 am, fret not if you missed it; there's still a chance to witness this awe-inspiring sight.
Sarath Raj, project director at Amity Dubai Satellite Ground Station and AmiSat, explains that the full moon's visibility extends several days around its zenith. This year, the Pink Moon coincides with a phenomenon known as a supermoon, occurring when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. Despite its proximity, the supermoon's effect doesn't alter the Pink Moon's characteristic reddish hue.
When and where should you look to catch this lunar spectacle? According to Hasan Al Hariri, CEO of Dubai Astronomy Group, the optimal time for viewing and photographing the supermoon is during its rise. Seek out elevated vantage points or unobstructed areas for the best experience. Raj suggests directing your gaze eastward from Dubai later in the evening, away from city lights.
The Pink Moon derives its name from the pink flowers of the ground phlox, which typically bloom in North America during April. Also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, or Fish Moon, April's supermoon appears larger and brighter due to its close proximity to Earth, passing within 360,000 kilometers of our planet.
But why does the moon sometimes take on a pinkish hue? Raj explains that Rayleigh scattering, a phenomenon where shorter wavelengths of sunlight are scattered away, leaving longer wavelengths, such as red, to reach our eyes, is responsible. This effect is further enhanced when the moon is low on the horizon, traversing a thicker layer of the atmosphere, intensifying the reddish tint.
So, whether you're a seasoned astronomer or simply an admirer of nature's wonders, don't miss the opportunity to witness the captivating Pink Supermoon illuminating the night sky tonight.
