The biggest and brightest full moon of the year will be making an appearance on Earth this weekend. So make sure you keep your eyes glued to the night sky on June 22 and 23.
The supermoon phenomenon isn't anything extraordinary. In fact, the last one we had was in May 25. But what makes this one the "biggest celestial event of the year" is that this weekend's supermoon will be the largest one this year. Dr. Michelle Thaller, a NASA Scientist, tells ABC that the moon will appear to be 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a typical Full Moon.
So what exactly makes the supermoon happen? Well, for one, the moon stays the same size no matter what, but it is its distance that changes. According to NBC News' Cosmic Log, the moon orbits around the world in an elliptical manner, meaning its precise distance varies depending on the path it follows. It happens that this weekend's path is closer to Earth.
Also, since Friday is a summer solstice, astronomer Bob Berman says this will make the supermoon even more interesting.
"This is thus a 'solstitial Moon' as well," Berman said in a press release by SLOOH. "The visual effect is to make this the lowestdown full Moon of 2013. And since lower Moons tend to be orangeyellow or amber, shining as they do through more than twice as much reddening air and moisture, this lunar experience should give us a true 'honey moon' all night long. Moreover, lower moons look larger thanks to the famous 'moon illusion.'"
To admire the beauty of the night sky in the moon's finest façade from Earth this year, be sure to be out at 7:32 a.m. EDT on June 23. And if you want a preview of that beauty, check out June 22's moon as well.
Also, if you can't make it to North America over the weekend, you can also watch Slooh Space Camera's cover of the supermoon via live stream, including different angles of the supermoon. A live chat with astronomer Berman will also be available.
To watch the supermoon live stream starting 6 p.m. EDT, visit Slooh.com.
For international times, check the schedule here.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
