Explanation:
As viewed from a well chosen location
at sunset,
October's gorgeous Full Moon rose behind Mount Hamilton, east
of San Jose, California.
Captured in this lovely telescopic view, historic
Lick
Observatory is
perched
on the mountain's 4,200 foot summit,
observatory and rising Moon momentarily sharing the warm color
of filtered sunlight.
Of course, tonight those blessed with clear skies can also enjoy
a glorious Full Moon.
In fact, tonight's Moon reaches its full phase at 1637 UT,
within only a few hours of
perigee, the
closest point in its
elliptical orbit.
The close approach really will make
December's Full Moon the
largest Full Moon of 2008,
even when it rises high
above the horizon.
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