Calendars and time
Anomalistic Month
Direct answer
Anomalistic Month: An Anomalistic Month is the mean interval between successive lunar perigees.
An Anomalistic Month measures perigee-to-perigee return of the Moon.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Related
- Sidereal Month, Draconic Month, Calendar, Julian Date
An Anomalistic Month measures perigee-to-perigee return of the Moon.
A cycle or timeline schematic for comparing the named timekeeping concept.
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The story behind Anomalistic Month
Lunar theory identified the moving apsidal line as the reason perigee return differs from star-relative orbital return.
Why Anomalistic Month matters
Anomalistic Month tracks the changing Earth-Moon distance cycle that modulates apparent lunar size and some tidal ranges.
Anomalistic Month in practice: an example
The anomalistic month averages about 27.55 days, so perigee shifts through the phase cycle.
Where readings of Anomalistic Month go wrong
It is a mistake to claim every perigee creates extreme tides or observable effects at every coast.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Reference definitions for astronomical periods, coordinates, dates, and time scales.
- NOAA Tides and Currents Glossary - Operational definitions for tides, tidal currents, ranges, datums, bores, and amphidromic systems.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Follow the lunar distance cycle
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Common questions
What is an Anomalistic Month?
An Anomalistic Month is the mean interval between successive lunar perigees.
What do people get wrong about an Anomalistic Month?
It is a mistake to claim every perigee creates extreme tides or observable effects at every coast.
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