The Moon's Big Show: November's Supermoon Explained

The moon's orbit around Earth isn't a perfect circle. It's more like an oval. This means the moon's distance from Earth changes all the time.

Supermoon Basics

• Definition: When the moon is full and closer to Earth, it's called a supermoon.
• Appearance: Supermoons look bigger and brighter than usual.
• Up to 14% larger
• Up to 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year (NASA)

November's Supermoon

• Special Feature: It's the closest one of the year.
• Distance: Just under 222,000 miles (357,000 kilometers) away from Earth.
• Series: The second of three supermoons this year.
• First: October
• Last: December

Effects and Viewing

• Tides: Supermoons can affect tides, making them slightly higher.
• Difference is usually not very noticeable.
• Viewing:
• No special equipment needed.
• Best seen with the naked eye on a clear night.
• Size difference is hard to notice just by looking.
• More obvious when comparing images or observations.

Frequency

• Occurrence: A few times a year.
• Next One: After November, the next supermoon will be in December.