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Depending on which source you refer to, 2021 will see anywhere between two and four supermoons, with the most remarkable occurring on May 26th. A supermoon is a full or new moon that coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit — a phase astronomers refer to as the “perigee.” So that you can plan your viewing experiences accordingly, and so that you can align your tarot card readings online with the energies of the moon, check out all you need to know about supermoons.
Two, Three or Four Supermoons: Why the Discrepancy?
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, this year will see just two supermoons — one in April and one in May. Another source says three, citing June as another opportunity to see a supermoon. And yet other says four, claiming that a “Super Worm Moon” already happened in March. So, which is it, and why the discrepancy?
The reason for the discrepancy is simple: Because the distance range that sources use to determine what constitutes “the moon’s closest approach” varies. However, in 1979, astrologer Richard Nolle attempted to create a standard by saying that when a full or new moon comes within 90% of its closest approach, it’s a supermoon. 90% of its closest approach would mean that the moon is within 224,791 miles or less of Earth. This generous range contributes to the number of reported supermoons in any given year.
Spotting the Difference
Though supermoons have gained a lot of attention over the past 40 years or so, the truth is that, without all the hype, most people wouldn’t notice them. Supermoons appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than the average full moon but, unless you’re an avid moon gazer, you’re unlikely to notice the difference. However, when the moon is at the horizon on these dates, watchers may claim to notice the size difference. Scientists attribute this to the “moon illusion” phenomenon, which they believe occurs simply because the brain is wired to perceive objects on the horizon as larger. For this reason, the best time to view supermoons is at moonrise and moonset.
Types of Supermoons To Look Out for in 2021
Assuming you rely on Nolle’s definition, you can expect to see four supermoons this year. The first — the Super Worm Moon — already happened on March 28th. The remaining will occur on the following dates:
- April 27th at 222, 212 miles
- May 26th at 222,117 miles
- June 24th at 224,662 miles
April’s moon has been dubbed the Super “Pink” Moon, but not for reasons you might think. The name comes from “creeping phlox,” otherwise known as “moss pink,” which blooms in Eastern North America in April.
May’s moon, which is the closest moon you will see all year, is the Super Flower Moon. This moon also happens to coincide with a total lunar eclipse, making May the month you want to routinely check your daily horoscope for significant changes. This moon is called the flower moon because it coincides with May Flowers.
June’s moon is the Strawberry Moon. The Algonquin tribes call it this to celebrate the short strawberry harvesting season.
Regardless of whether you notice the difference or not, supermoons — and full moons in general — can signify big changes coming. Learn more about those changes and check out reviews of California Psychics before scheduling your reading.
