Experience the Magic of the Supermoon in Türkiye’s Ancient City of Side!

In the picturesque ancient city of Side, located in Antalya's Manavgat district in southwestern Türkiye, an extraordinary celestial event was celebrated with the “Journey to the Supermoon” program. Nature lovers and astronomy enthusiasts congregated to witness an awe-inspiring experience that combined history with a glimpse of the universe.

Event Overview

Hosted by the Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection as part of the engaging “Discover Nature with National Geographic” series, the event showcased a stunning visual representation of the moon, the sun, stars, planets, and other celestial phenomena projected onto a dome. This immersive experience captivated attendees and created an atmosphere reminiscent of a night under the stars.

Educational Components

During this remarkable evening, participants were educated about the intriguing history of astronomy and the different phases of the moon. Physicist and astronomer Erdem Aytekin, who spoke to an Anadolu Agency reporter, highlighted the educational components of the event, featuring both virtual sky sessions akin to planetarium shows and real-time observation opportunities of the moon and planets.

Understanding the Supermoon

Aytekin elaborated on the phenomenon of the supermoon, explaining that it appears about 13% larger than usual due to the moon's elliptical orbit around Earth. “All celestial bodies orbit in elliptical paths, meaning there are points in their orbits where they are closer to or farther from us. During these proximity points, like with the supermoon, they appear significantly larger," he stated.

The Upcoming Lunar Eclipse

He further noted that the moon follows its own cycles of distance from Earth, which coincided perfectly with the upcoming lunar eclipse on the 18th. This rare occurrence, where a full moon aligns with a lunar eclipse while being closest to Earth, provided an exceptional visual treat for onlookers. While this might not be a major focus for professional astronomers, the captivating display certainly drew significant public interest.

Conclusion

Events like these not only enhance our understanding of celestial mechanics but also foster a deep appreciation for the wonders of the universe. If you missed this stunning event, keep your eyes on the skies—more celestial wonders await in the future!