Perigee "Super Moon" on 6 May 2012 - India


On 6th May 2012 at 9.03 a.m. Moon will reach the closest point (Perigee) in it orbit. Further at 9.05 a.m (3.35 a.m. UTC ) moon would reach its monthly full Total phase when its disk is fully illuminated. All in all Moon in fullest phase coinciding with it reaching Perigee point makes up for  event nicknamed as  "Super Moon" or scientifically speaking this phenomenon is known as "perigee moon."
   ‘‘Supermoon’ is a situation when the moon is slightly closer to Earth in its orbit than on average, and this effect is most noticeable when it occurs at the same time as a full moon. So, the moon may seem bigger although the difference in its distance from Earth is only a few percent at such times” Dr. Jim Garvin, chief scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

Direction & Time to see - 5th & 6th May :On 5th or 6th May best time to watch Moon is when is close to horizon.   
On 5th May for People India & around Moon is still on its way to reach Perigee point and be totally illuminated. However People in USA can see this May 5, at 11:35 p.m. EDT due to Timezone followed. Anyhow People can still take a chance to witness Not Yet Super Moon on 5th May.
On 6th May  Full Moon (9.05 a.m.) & Moon reaching Perigee point (9.03 a.m.) on 6th May.As at 9 am Sun very much in sky people should wait upto  7.02 p.m.  when Moon Rises on 6th May to witness looking toward East Direction.

Percentage of Change: This May’s full Moon is a "super Moon,” as much as 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons of 2012.
           
Why is it bigger/brighter, importance?  Journey of Moon around earth in oval shape orbit is responsible for full moons to appear in varied size. Importantly Full moon occurs every month, but occurrence of Full Moon when moon is at its closest (perigee) point is rare.
Further full Moons that occur on the perigee side of the Moon's orbit seem extra big and bright.

Is Super Moon a rare event ? 
Super perigee Moons are actually fairly common.  The Moon becomes full within a few hours of its closest approach to Earth about once a year on average.   

When is last time it occurred? Distance?   The last such coincidence occurred on March 19th, 2011, producing a full Moon that was almost 400 km closer than this one i.e.  356,577 kilometers (on 19 March 2011). Whereas on 6th May 2012 (it will be at 3,56,953 km) . 

They so much Media Attention ? 
 1. 19 March 2011 Super Moon followed by Earthquake can be said as first reason.
2. Enthusiasts who observed the data of Perigee Moon for 18 years noticed that Event of 19 March 2011 Moon was very close compared to many of previous years. 
3. This year Moon is just 400 km far from what it was in 2011 March event. 

 Does Moon effect human body ? Will Super Moon Effect us ? 
According to NASA Release dated 2nd May 2012 "The majority of modern studies, however, show no correlation between the phase of the Moon and the incidence of crime, sickness, or human behavior" .
 Here is another link Click here

It is true Super Moon brings increased tides ? 
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there is nothing to worry about. In most places, lunar gravity at perigee pulls tide waters only a few centimeters (an inch or so) higher than usual. Local geography can amplify the effect to about 15 centimeters (six inches)--not exactly a great flood. 

Will it cause any Natural Catastrophe or Earthquakes?  Will another 11 April 2011 Fukushima earthquake event occur ?
Scientifically speaking  no evidence as so far been found linking events far in space to what happens on earth particularly regarding natural disasters. The factors responsible for Earthquakes etc...are different.