The full moon is often associated with the rising of tides, howling of werewolves and other mythological lore. Even the term lunatic comes from lunar.
Those who fear the influence of the moon may want to lock their doors or not venture too far outside Saturday night because the Moon will appear to be 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than other full moons of 2012, according to NASA.
Commonly called the “super moon,” the phenomenon is known to scientists as the “perigee moon.” The term comes from the elliptical path the moon follows around the Earth and reaches perigee, which is the point closest to the Earth’s center during the orbit. The moon will be about 31,000 miles closer to Earth's orbit than the furthest point of its elliptical orbit, according to NASA.
From causes not fully understood by scientists, low hanging moons look much larger when viewed through trees and other foreground objects. Come Saturday, this optical illusion will be amplified with a moon that is closer to the Earth to begin with. According to NASA, the moon’s rising orb will indeed seem of super proportions.
To catch a glimpse of the so called “super moon” grab some silver, garlic and your favorite wooden crucifix and try to reach a good vantage point. One destination to catch a stunning vista is the Verdugo Mountain loop or Beaudry Loop, which ascends 1500 feet toward the ridgeline of the mountain and is not far from civilization.
To get to the site from the 210 Freeway heading west, take the La Crescenta Avenue exit. Turn right to continue onto Oakmont View Drive followed by a left on Barnes Circle Drive.
Continue for a third of a mile and then make a right onto Beaudry Terrace. Drive down Beaudry Terrace until it becomes Beaudry Boulevard, the destination is on the right. Look for large fence and a concrete wash marking the path.
The actual trail head is beyond the main gate next to the wash. Remember to always bring a head lamp, tell someone where you’re going and watch your step.
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