NEW YORK — Prepare to gaze skyward on Wednesday night as the moon will appear both larger and more radiant during what is set to be the closest supermoon of the year.
The moon’s path around Earth is not a perfect circle, leading it to vary in distance as it travels. When a full moon aligns with its closest approach to Earth, this phenomenon is known as a supermoon. According to NASA, this results in the moon appearing up to 14% larger and 30% more luminous than at other times.
This November marks the second of three supermoons for the year, with this particular event being the nearest. The moon will draw as close as just under 222,000 miles (357,000 kilometers) from our planet.
During a supermoon, tides may rise slightly more than usual due to the moon’s proximity, noted astronomer Lawrence Wasserman from Lowell Observatory. However, the variation is generally subtle.
Fortunately, no special equipment is necessary to enjoy this celestial event, provided the weather cooperates. However, the change in the moon’s size can be challenging to perceive without assistance.
“The difference becomes most apparent when compared with other images or observations,” explained Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, in an email.
Supermoons happen a few times a year. One in October made the moon look somewhat larger, and another in December will be the last of the year.
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