The moon is set to shine brighter and appear a bit larger this Wednesday night. This is due to the closest supermoon of the year.
So, what is a supermoon? It’s when a full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This can make it look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year, according to NASA. For this November supermoon, the moon will be just under 222,000 miles (357,000 kilometers) away.
You might notice slightly higher tides during a supermoon. Astronomer Lawrence Wasserman from Lowell Observatory notes this is because of the moon’s proximity, but the change is generally subtle.
You don’t need any special gear to enjoy the view—just clear skies will do. However, the size difference can be hard to notice unless you compare it with other images or see it next to another moon, as noted by Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University.
Supermoons occur several times a year. The one in October already took place, and a final one is expected in December.
Interestingly, social media can buzz with excitement during these events. People share their moon photos, often using hashtags like #Supermoon. This kind of interaction shows just how much people love to connect with celestial events.
In the context of our digital age, the moon’s visibility transcends mere observation. According to a recent survey by the American Astronomical Society, nearly 70% of Americans say they have watched astronomical events, indicating a growing public interest in astronomy.
So, whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a beautiful night sky, keep an eye out for this supermoon. It promises to be a stunning sight.
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Space exploration, Planets, Astronomy, U.S. news, General news, Science, Article, 127086621
