No 'Supermoon'-earthquake connection: Scientists

The phrase 'Supermoon' is believed to have been coined by an astrologer, Richard Nolle, on his website, and spread to astronomers online. -- PHOTO: AP

THE mega earthquake that hit Japan on Friday had no connection to the 'Supermoon', scientists said, referring to an event on March 19 when the moon will be at its closest to Earth in 18 years.

Dr Paul Walker, a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather Inc, told ABC News that 'there is no connection between the moon's position' and the 8.9-magnitude earthquake, which is feared to have killed over 1,000 people. 'I don't think you can attribute it to being a full moon... These moon events can cause the tides to run higher than normal, but I've not heard of any correlation between them and extreme weather events,' Dr Walker added.

The phrase 'Supermoon' is believed to have been coined by an astrologer, Richard Nolle, on his website, and spread to astronomers online.

Mr Nolle had written that the last 'Supermoon' this year was just before the earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand, in February. Other disasters occurring near a 'Supermoon' included Hurricane Katrina and the 8.8 Chile earthquake, Mr Nolle said in his post.

However, Nasa astronomer Dave Williams agreed with Dr Walker's view that the moon had no connection to the Japan quake, ABC News reported.

In an e-mail to ABCNews.com, Mr Williams said that at the time of the earthquake in Japan, the moon was actually closer to its furthest point in orbit from Earth than it was to its closest point (on March 19), 'so the gravitational effect of the moon was, in fact, less than average at that time'.