Supermoons, which occur when a full moon aligns with its closest approach to Earth, can appear brighter and slightly larger than typical full moons. However, these differences are often subtle. Enjoy this astronomical finale, as the next supermoon series won’t arrive until 2025.
How to Catch the last supermoon of the Year
Be sure to look up this week as the final supermoon of the year graces the night sky. This supermoon will appear slightly bigger and brighter as it nears Earth at around 225,000 miles (361,867 kilometers) on Thursday, just before its full phase on Friday. With no more supermoons this year, it will be a long wait until the next series in 2025, which is expected to start in October.October’s supermoon, the third in this year’s series, was the closest, at only 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) from Earth. This last supermoon comes close on its heels and rises just after the Taurid meteor shower peak, offering a chance for stargazers to enjoy an evening of celestial sights.What Defines a Supermoon?
The term "supermoon" is more popular than scientific and refers to when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This typically occurs three to four times each year and often in succession. A supermoon doesn’t grow in size but appears larger and brighter from Earth due to its closer proximity.Supermoon Highlights of 2023
This year featured four notable supermoons, starting with August’s, which was 224,917 miles (361,970 kilometers) away. September’s was even closer, at 222,131 miles (357,486 kilometers), and included a partial lunar eclipse visible across parts of the Americas, Africa, and Europe. October’s supermoon marked the closest of the year, while November’s will conclude the series. Although the apparent size difference of a supermoon is subtle, it can be around 30 percent brighter than a regular full moon, making for a luminous spectacle in clear skies.Why Look Up?
Supermoons may seem only slightly larger, but their brightness is often noticeable to keen observers. As lunar exploration efforts by NASA and other space agencies increase, with plans for future lunar landings, this month’s supermoon is a fitting celestial finale to a year of lunar events.
How to Catch the last supermoon of the YearBe sure to look up this week as the final supermoon of the year graces the night sky. This supermoon will appear slightly bigger and brighter as it nears Earth at around 225,000 miles (361,867 kilometers) on Thursday, just before its full phase on Friday. With no more supermoons this year, it will be a long wait until the next series in 2025, which is expected to start in October.October’s supermoon, the third in this year’s series, was the closest, at only 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) from Earth. This last supermoon comes close on its heels and rises just after the Taurid meteor shower peak, offering a chance for stargazers to enjoy an evening of celestial sights.What Defines a Supermoon?
The term "supermoon" is more popular than scientific and refers to when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This typically occurs three to four times each year and often in succession. A supermoon doesn’t grow in size but appears larger and brighter from Earth due to its closer proximity.Supermoon Highlights of 2023
This year featured four notable supermoons, starting with August’s, which was 224,917 miles (361,970 kilometers) away. September’s was even closer, at 222,131 miles (357,486 kilometers), and included a partial lunar eclipse visible across parts of the Americas, Africa, and Europe. October’s supermoon marked the closest of the year, while November’s will conclude the series. Although the apparent size difference of a supermoon is subtle, it can be around 30 percent brighter than a regular full moon, making for a luminous spectacle in clear skies.Why Look Up?
Supermoons may seem only slightly larger, but their brightness is often noticeable to keen observers. As lunar exploration efforts by NASA and other space agencies increase, with plans for future lunar landings, this month’s supermoon is a fitting celestial finale to a year of lunar events.
