Get Ready for the Year’s First Supermoon: Essential Details You Need to Know
Supermoon Sightings: October’s Celestial Spectacle Lights Up Skies
What Makes a Supermoon Special?
This Monday night, sky enthusiasts are in for a treat as the moon will appear slightly larger and brighter during what is known as a supermoon. October’s supermoon is the first of three occurring this year, taking place when the moon is closer to Earth in its orbit. This proximity can make the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon of the year, according to NASA.
Astronomical Marvel and Its Recurrence
While the difference may seem subtle to the casual observer, these events are not rare, often aligning with other astronomical phenomena like lunar eclipses. Derrick Pitts, the chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, notes that the rarity is more about perception than the actual event itself. “It’s not really very unusual,” he states, emphasizing the accessibility of observing this phenomenon.
How to Spot the Supermoon
Observing a supermoon requires no special equipment, though clear skies are essential. Experts advise that discerning the difference in size and brightness can be challenging unless one has paid attention to the moon in the nights preceding the event. “If you go out and just look at the moon when it’s very high in the sky, there is nothing relative to it to give you an idea of how big it looks,” Pitts explains.
Upcoming Supermoons and Eclipses
For this particular event, the moon will approach within approximately 224,600 miles (361,459 kilometers) of Earth. Following this month, the closest supermoon of the year will appear in November, with another on its heels in December.
Looking ahead, the astronomical excitement continues in 2026, when two significant lunar eclipses are set to occur. A total eclipse will be visible across much of North America, Asia, and Australia in March, while August will bring a partial eclipse across the Americas, Africa, and Europe.
Support and Contributions
Emegypt emphasizes that these celestial events provide a wonderful opportunity for education and engagement with science. While the Associated Press Health and Science Department benefits from support by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the AP is responsible for all its content.
