Discover the Best Tips to View November’s Supermoon: The Closest Lunar Event of the Year
The upcoming supermoon will illuminate the night sky on Wednesday, showcasing a remarkable astronomical event. As the closest supermoon of the year, it promises to be an awe-inspiring sight for stargazers and casual observers alike.
Understanding the Supermoon Phenomenon
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s perigee, the point in its orbit closest to Earth. This year, November’s supermoon will be particularly striking, bringing the moon to within approximately 222,000 miles (357,000 kilometers) of our planet.
What to Expect
- Size and Brightness: The supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to the smallest moon of the year, according to NASA.
- Tidal Effects: Tides may be slightly elevated during a supermoon. However, the change is usually subtle and not easily noticeable.
- Viewing Tips: Observers do not need special equipment to enjoy the supermoon. Clear skies will enhance visibility, but differences in size may be hard to discern without a comparison.
When and How to View November’s Supermoon
The supermoon will occur this Wednesday night, making it a perfect opportunity for those interested in astronomy. Experts suggest that the most pronounced effects of the supermoon are observable when comparing it against other lunar images.
Shannon Schmoll, the director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, emphasizes that while it may be difficult to see without comparisons, the experience of witnessing a supermoon is compelling.
This November supermoon marks the second of three supermoons scheduled for this year, with a previous event in October and another planned for December.
Conclusion
Mark your calendars for Wednesday night to catch a glimpse of November’s supermoon, the closest lunar event of the year. It’s an excellent chance to appreciate the beauty of our natural satellite and the science behind its fluctuating distance from Earth.
