Geocaching by the Light of the Super Duper Moon
By Annie Studer
Last night, Geocachers around the world ventured out via the light of the “Super Duper Moon” when the full moon was at its closest orbital point (perigee) to the Earth. It will be 20 years before we’ll see another full moon this close to Earth, so whether you’re a new to geocaching or have over 10,000 finds, this was an excellent opportunity to find a geocache at night.
Some may be familiar with NightCaching, OwlCaching, or SuperMoonCaching, but this was SuperDuperMoonCaching. Since the moon was at the nearest proximity to Earth, it appeared larger and brighter (due to an optical illusion), especially while rising on the horizon. Thus, moonrise often is the ideal time to photograph a lunar event. The extra bright moon (basically the brightest nightlight ever) can also illuminate night-time only geocaches.
Geocaching at night can mean finding geocaches after dark and traditional NightCaching often means finding the way to a geocache by shining a light source (like a headlamp) on reflective trail markers (FireTacks).
Whatever your style is for geocaching at night, here are three tips to help you become a SuperDuperNightCacher:
1. Read the geocache description before you head out in the night. It’s helpful to know the details about if you need tools, container size, and other hints.
2. Bring the right gear. With all geocaching you’ll want your writing utensil and GPS or smartphone, in addition to these handy tools, for NightCaching you’ll want a LED headlamp, flashlight, a UV light is also helpful and extra batteries.
3. Check in before you check out on your geocaching night excursion. As a precaution (which is a good habit for all geocaching adventures), tell a friend or family member where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone.
If MoonCaching isn’t your style, perhaps geocaching under a meteor shower is more to your liking. Keep your eyes out for the Perseid meteor shower each night before the moon rises and after it sets through August 13th.
And don’t worry if you missed this SuperDuperMoon, there’s a SuperMoon in September to look forward to for more NightCaching by moonlight. And if you’ do like to geocache tonight, the moon only still pretty super. It’s about 93% as bright as last night.
While out NightCaching, did you nab any amazing SuperDuperMoon shots or a pic at your favorite NightCache spot? Share it with us in comments below!
