Introduction to Supermoons
NEW YORK (AP) — The moon will appear slightly larger and brighter Monday night during what’s known as a supermoon. This event is the first of three supermoons this year and is a great opportunity for people to observe the moon in all its glory.
What is a Supermoon?
October’s supermoon is the first of three this year. It happens when a full moon is closer to Earth in its orbit. That makes the moon look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year, according to NASA. The subtle difference happens a few times a year, sometimes coinciding with other astronomical events such as lunar eclipses.
Frequency and Visibility of Supermoons
“It’s not really very unusual,” said Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer with the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Everyone in the world can see a supermoon without special equipment if clear skies permit. But the difference can be tough to discern, especially if people haven’t observed the regular moon on the nights leading up.
Observing Supermoons
“If you go out and just look at the moon when it’s very high in the sky, there is nothing relative to it to give you an idea of how big it looks,” Pitts said. To get a better sense of the moon’s size, it’s helpful to observe it in relation to other objects, such as buildings or trees. This can give you a better sense of its scale and help you appreciate the difference in size between a supermoon and a regular full moon.
Upcoming Supermoons and Lunar Eclipses
In the latest viewing, the moon will pass within about 224,600 miles (361,459 kilometers) of Earth. The closest supermoon of the year is slated for November, followed by another in December. The spectacles continue in 2026 with two lunar eclipses: a total eclipse across much of North America, Asia and Australia in March, and a partial one in August across the Americas, Africa and Europe.
Support for Astronomical Research and Education
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Conclusion
Supermoons are a great opportunity for people to observe the moon and appreciate its beauty. While the difference in size and brightness may be subtle, it’s still a notable event that can be enjoyed by people all over the world. By understanding what a supermoon is and how it occurs, we can appreciate the wonders of the universe and the importance of astronomical research and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about supermoons:
Q: What is a supermoon?
A: A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes the moon appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year.
Q: How often do supermoons occur?
A: Supermoons occur a few times a year, sometimes coinciding with other astronomical events such as lunar eclipses.
Q: Can anyone see a supermoon?
A: Yes, anyone can see a supermoon without special equipment if clear skies permit. However, the difference in size and brightness may be tough to discern, especially if you haven’t observed the regular moon on the nights leading up.
Q: What is the best way to observe a supermoon?
A: To get a better sense of the moon’s size, it’s helpful to observe it in relation to other objects, such as buildings or trees. This can give you a better sense of its scale and help you appreciate the difference in size between a supermoon and a regular full moon.
Q: Are there any upcoming supermoons or lunar eclipses?
A: Yes, there are two more supermoons this year, one in November and one in December. In 2026, there will be two lunar eclipses: a total eclipse across much of North America, Asia and Australia in March, and a partial one in August across the Americas, Africa and Europe.
