dlzc wrote:
Dear dlham:

wrote:
Now that the distance between the earth and the moon has
been measured with great precision. Could anyone tell me
what time of the year is the moon closest to the Earth??

http://www.fourmilab.ch/earthview/moon_ap_per.html
QUOTE
The combined effects of orbital eccentricity and the Sun's tides result
in a substantial difference in the apparent size and brightness of the
Moon at perigee and apogee. Extreme values for perigee and apogee
distance occur when perigee or apogee passage occurs close to new or
full Moon, and long-term extremes are in the months near to Earth's
perihelion passage (closest approach to the Sun, when the Sun's tidal
effects are strongest) in the first few days of January.
END QUOTE

David A. Smith

Thanks Dave

http://www.fourmilab.ch/images/peri_apo/

This article states that "the moon is at perigee relative to the earth
when earth is at apogee relative to the sun and the moon is at apogee
relative to the earth when the earth is at perigee relative to the
sun."

Can anyone tell me if there is a logical explanation why this
"coincidence" occurs?? Why the moon is closest to the earth when the
earth is farthest from the sun and visa versa??

Don Hamilton