On Monday night, you’ll get to witness a special sight—a supermoon. This one is the first of three supermoons happening this year. A supermoon occurs when a full moon is closer to Earth, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon.
According to NASA, this phenomenon happens several times each year and sometimes aligns with other events like lunar eclipses. “It’s not really very unusual,” explains Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. “People can see a supermoon globally, as long as the skies are clear.” But you might need to observe the moon on previous nights to notice the difference.
When the moon is high in the sky, it can be hard to gauge its size without any visual reference. Pitts adds, “If you’re just looking up, there’s nothing nearby to compare it to.”
On this occasion, the moon will be about 224,600 miles (361,459 kilometers) from Earth. The next supermoon is set for November, followed by another in December. If you’re excited about lunar events, keep an eye out for two lunar eclipses in 2026—a total eclipse in March and a partial one in August.
For those who enjoy stargazing, supermoons offer a great opportunity to connect with nature. Many people share their experiences and photos on social media, creating a sense of community around these celestial events. For instance, the hashtag #supermoon often trends, showcasing stunning images from across the globe.
In recent years, the popularity of astronomical events has surged, with a 2021 survey from the National Science Foundation indicating that interest in space has grown, especially after significant events like the Mars rover landing and other exploratory missions. Such events not only excite astronomers but also inspire everyday people to look up at the night sky.
So while a supermoon may not be the most unusual event, it certainly brings joy and wonder to many. Want to learn more about astronomical phenomena? Check out detailed reports from NASA or articles from reputable news outlets.
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Planets, Astronomy, Eclipses, Science, Space exploration
