News
November 02, 2025
How to Spot November’s Supermoon, the Closest of the Year
NEW YORK—The moon will look slightly bigger and brighter Wednesday night during the closest supermoon of the year. The moon’s orbit around the Earth isn’t a perfect circle, so it gets nearer and farther as it swings around. A so-called supermoon happens when a full moon is closer to Earth in its orbit. That makes [...]
NEW YORK—Get ready for a celestial treat! Wednesday night offers the best opportunity of the year to witness a supermoon, a phenomenon that makes our lunar neighbor appear noticeably larger and brighter in the sky. This isn't just any full moon; it's the closest supermoon of 2024, promising a truly spectacular sight.
But what exactly is a supermoon? It all comes down to the moon's orbit around Earth. Unlike the perfectly circular orbits we might imagine, the moon's path is slightly elliptical. This means that at certain points in its orbit, the moon is closer to us, and at others, it's farther away.
When a full moon coincides with the point in the moon's orbit where it's closest to Earth – known as perigee – we get a supermoon. This proximity makes the moon appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point (apogee). While the difference might not be dramatic to the casual observer, seasoned skywatchers and photographers eagerly anticipate these events.
So, how can you spot November's supermoon? The good news is you don't need any special equipment. Just find a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the eastern horizon. As the moon rises, it will appear especially impressive. While binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, they're not essential for enjoying this natural spectacle.
Weather permitting, the supermoon will be visible throughout the night, reaching its peak brightness around midnight. So, step outside, look up, and marvel at the beauty of our closest celestial companion during its grandest appearance of the year. Don't miss this chance to witness the closest supermoon of 2024!
But what exactly is a supermoon? It all comes down to the moon's orbit around Earth. Unlike the perfectly circular orbits we might imagine, the moon's path is slightly elliptical. This means that at certain points in its orbit, the moon is closer to us, and at others, it's farther away.
When a full moon coincides with the point in the moon's orbit where it's closest to Earth – known as perigee – we get a supermoon. This proximity makes the moon appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point (apogee). While the difference might not be dramatic to the casual observer, seasoned skywatchers and photographers eagerly anticipate these events.
So, how can you spot November's supermoon? The good news is you don't need any special equipment. Just find a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the eastern horizon. As the moon rises, it will appear especially impressive. While binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, they're not essential for enjoying this natural spectacle.
Weather permitting, the supermoon will be visible throughout the night, reaching its peak brightness around midnight. So, step outside, look up, and marvel at the beauty of our closest celestial companion during its grandest appearance of the year. Don't miss this chance to witness the closest supermoon of 2024!
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Technology