History of Supermoon in Timeline

A supermoon occurs when a full moon or new moon closely aligns with perigee, the point in the Moon's orbit closest to Earth. This proximity makes the Moon appear slightly larger from Earth. While it's referred to as a "supermoon," the term is rooted in astrology and lacks a strict astronomical definition. A more technical term is perigee syzygy.

1940: Micromoon Annular Solar Eclipses in Solar Saros 128

Most annular solar eclipses occurring between 1940 and 2120 in Solar Saros 128 are expected to be micromoon annular solar eclipses.

January 26, 1948: Previous Closest Supermoon

Before November 14, 2016, the closest full supermoon occurred on January 26, 1948.

1976: Publication of "Strategic Role Of Perigean Spring Tides"

Fergus Wood, a hydrologist with NOAA, published "Strategic Role Of Perigean Spring Tides in Nautical History and Coastal Flooding" in 1976. This publication would later influence Richard Nolle's definition of a supermoon.

1979: Supermoon Term Coined

The term "supermoon" was first coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle in Dell Horoscope magazine.

2000: Introduction of "Extreme Supermoon"

Richard Nolle introduced the concept of an "extreme supermoon" in 2000, defined as any new or full moons at "100% or greater of the mean perigee."

2004: Supermoon and the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami further fueled speculation about the potential impact of supermoons on natural disasters, despite the absence of scientific evidence to support this claim.

2011: Speculation on Supermoon and Natural Disasters

Media speculation arose regarding a potential link between supermoons and natural disasters, such as the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011. However, this claim lacks scientific backing.

2011: Nolle Explains Supermoon Calculation

Richard Nolle provided further explanation of his supermoon calculation, based on 90% of the difference in lunar apsis extremes for the solar year, in 2011.

September 2015: Supermoon Total Lunar Eclipse Example

The total lunar eclipse that took place in September 2015 serves as an example of a supermoon lunar eclipse.

November 14, 2016: Closest Supermoon Since 1948

The supermoon on November 14, 2016, was the closest full supermoon since January 26, 1948.

May 8, 2020: Tehran Earthquake Coincides with Supermoon

The Tehran earthquake, which occurred on May 8, 2020, coincided with a supermoon. This event fueled further speculation about the possible connection between supermoons and natural disasters.