Closest Supermoon in Almost 70 Years

Supermoon+high+in+the+sky+on+Monday+night

Sam Fought

Supermoon high in the sky on Monday night

On Monday, November 14th, the night was a little brighter than usual.  This was a result of the expected supermoon, which was the closest a full moon it has come to earth since 1948.  This phenomenon occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to earth.  In this particular instance, the moon’s closest approach occurred at 6:21 p.m., when NASA expected it to come within 221,523 miles of earth.  

For a good view of a supermoon, Prof. Tim O’Brien of the University of Manchester recommends that observers find a place with a low horizon, away from any tall buildings which would obstruct your view.  O’Brien claims that when the moon is low on the horizon, an optical illusion makes it appear bigger.  You can use these tips when the next supermoon comes around, which will occur on January 2nd, 2018, however this one will one reach within 100 miles of this year’s supermoon.  To see another supermoon as close as it was this year, you might have wait another 70 years.