Ryomo

Ryomo is a Japanese term that translates to "two moons." It refers to a rare astronomical event where, due to the elliptical orbit of the Moon, it appears to be two distinct objects in the sky, separated by a significant distance. This phenomenon occurs during the Moon's apogee, when it is farthest from Earth, and its apparent size is smaller, making it less bright and more easily obscured by the bright Earthshine.

The last occurrence of a Ryomo event was in 1988, and the next one is expected to happen in 2037. The event is not visible from every location on Earth, as it depends on the alignment of the Moon, Earth, and Sun, as well as the observer's latitude. It is often considered a minor astronomical event, but it has been documented in various cultures throughout history, with some even associating it with mythological figures or omens.

The term "Ryomo" is not widely known outside of Japan, and the event is not as well-documented as other lunar phenomena, such as a blue moon or a supermoon. However, it remains an interesting and unique aspect of the Moon's elliptical orbit and its interaction with Earth.