What is a “Supermoon,” the Phenomenon That Shone Brightly Last Night?

The recent “Supermoon” captivated skywatchers with its brilliance. This astronomical event occurs when the Moon is both full and at its closest distance to Earth.

Understanding the Supermoon Phenomenon

A “Supermoon” appears larger and brighter than usual. According to astronomy expert Olivier Hernandez, this phenomenon happens during the Moon’s perigee, the point when it is nearest to Earth. The Moon travels in an elliptical orbit, resulting in varying distances from our planet.

Distance and Frequency

On December 4, the “Supermoon” was approximately 357,000 kilometers away from Earth. Hernandez clarified that astronomers seldom use the term “Supermoon,” preferring to describe it as a full Moon at perigee.

• A “Supermoon” can be observed three to five times a year.
• The Moon reaches its perigee each month, but not always during a full Moon.

Visual Differences

In terms of size and brightness, a “Supermoon” measures about 14% larger and is 30% brighter than a typical full Moon. However, these differences are subtle and may go unnoticed without careful comparison.

Viewing Opportunities

Despite the challenge of perceiving these changes, Hernandez notes that a “Supermoon” presents an excellent opportunity for lunar photography. Observing this celestial event is always a remarkable experience.

Correction on Distance

A previous version of this article inaccurately stated that the “Supermoon” would be approximately 35,700 kilometers away. The accurate distance is 357,000 kilometers.