Full Moon On San Francisco Bay
/The View From San Francisco Bay
On 12 July 2014, we all celebrated a Super Full Moon. A full moon receives this designation because "the centers of these full moons and the center of Earth are less than 361,863 kilometers (224,851 miles) apart." (In case you're counting...)
Brightness Of A Full Moon
The full moon was so brilliant, I was almost convinced that it generated its own light. I had to remind myself that all this light was in actuality the sun shining off the moon's surface, quietly exerting its influence in the background. In essence, the sun touches both our days and nights.
According to Science News at NASA:
“The scientific term for the phenomenon is “perigee moon.” Full Moons vary in size because of the oval shape of the Moon’s orbit.
The Moon follows an elliptical path around Earth with one side (“perigee”) about 50,000 km closer than the other (“apogee”).
Full Moons that occur on the perigee side of the Moon’s orbit seem extra big and bright.”
For this auspicious event, I had the good fortune to watch the moon rise from a boat in the middle of San Francisco Bay.
San Francisco Bay Works For A Living
As we departed from Sausalito and headed out on the water, a container ship was spotted. Its presence served as a reminder that the Bay is not just for looks and entertainment; it is an active, deep water, working port.
The sun settled down for an evening rest after a long day's work. One of the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, touched by the sinking rays, kissed the sun goodnight.
The Fog Comes On Little Cat Feet
Everyone living in San Francisco, for any length of time, becomes familiar with the poem, Fog, by Carl Sandburg. Although he was inspired by fog he saw over Chicago harbor, San Franciscans claim it as their own.
Fog
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
From the clear skies on the Bay, we observed its tendrils quietly stretch over The City. It was a vivid demonstration of how strongly someone's perspective is shaped based on where they are (literally and figuratively).
The Sun Sets Over San Francisco Bay
As the sun set more deeply, a layer of pink icing was added on top of the fog over The City, making everything rosy. Yes, on San Francisco Bay, you can see through rose-colored glasses, without the glasses.
Back To Sausalito
The boat headed back to the dock in Sausalito. Pink streaks in the sky welcomed us home and the delicate wisps of clouds comforted us as a good omen.
Two More Super Full Moons Coming
Two more super full moons are still to come in 2014: those dates are 10 August and 09 September. Of the three super full moons we will have in 2014, the one in August will be the closest to the Earth.
Moon over the bay
