Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about the phases of the moon?
- How does the supermoon differ from other phases of the moon?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- close /klohz/
- rare /rair/
- convergence /kuhn-VUR-juhns/
- shine /shahyn/
- captivate /KAP-tuh-veyt/
[adjective] – near in distance or time
The store is close to my house, so I walk there.
[adjective] – not occurring very often
The museum has a rare collection of ancient coins from different countries.
[noun] – the act of coming together or meeting at one point
The convergence of different cultures can create a rich and vibrant community.
[verb] – to give off light; to be bright
The stars will shine brightly on a clear night without clouds.
[verb] – to attract and hold the attention of someone
The magician’s tricks captivate the audience, leaving them in awe.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
October’s supermoon, set to occur on October 25, will be the closest of the year. This astronomical event will take place in the Northern Hemisphere, where stargazers can witness not only the supermoon but also a rare sighting of the comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas. The moon will be approximately 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) away from Earth, appearing more luminous and larger due to its proximity. A supermoon happens when the full moon aligns with its closest point to Earth, called perigee, in its elliptical orbit. Although the moonlight may obscure parts of the comet’s tail, experts highlight the importance of this unique convergence of celestial events.
The supermoon, which will reach its full phase on Thursday night, is expected to shine 30% brighter than an average full moon. NASA officials acknowledge that the comet’s visibility will be affected by the moonlight, but they recommend observing this rare spectacle. Supermoons generally occur three to four times per year, and while their increased brightness and size are often subtle, they continue to captivate the public. As lunar exploration advances, these events remind humanity of the moon’s potential for future scientific discovery and exploration efforts.
The supermoon, which will reach its full phase on Thursday night, is expected to shine 30% brighter than an average full moon. NASA officials acknowledge that the comet’s visibility will be affected by the moonlight, but they recommend observing this rare spectacle. Supermoons generally occur three to four times per year, and while their increased brightness and size are often subtle, they continue to captivate the public. As lunar exploration advances, these events remind humanity of the moon’s potential for future scientific discovery and exploration efforts.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the date when October’s supermoon will occur?
- How far will the moon be from Earth during the supermoon?
- What astronomical event will be seen alongside the supermoon?
- Why does the supermoon appear larger and brighter than usual?
- What does the term ‘perigee’ refer to in the context of the moon’s orbit?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a supermoon? If so, how did it look? If not, what do you think it would be like?
- Do you enjoy watching celestial events like comets and supermoons? If so, which one was your favorite? If not, what other activities do you enjoy doing at night?
- Do you agree that observing celestial events helps people appreciate nature more?
- Why do you think some people are fascinated by events like supermoons and comets while others are not?
- In what ways do you think technology has changed how we view and study celestial events?