Stargazers will be treated to a possibly once-in-a-lifetime event this month when an “extra-super” supermoon lights up the night sky, according to NASA.
Nov. 14 will mark the “closest” full moon to date of this century, as it becomes full within approximately two hours of perigee, according to NASA.
A “supermoon” — also known as a perigee moon — refers broadly to when a full moon is closer to Earth than normal, the space agency said on its website. When a supermoon occurs, the full moon can appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than an apogee full moon.
This month’s supermoon is expected to be peak shortly before 6 a.m. on Nov. 14, Space.com reported.
In addition to being the closest and brightest full moon of the century, it will appear to be the largest in nearly 70 years, according to Space.com.
A full moon won’t appear as close to the one this month until Nov. 25, 2034.
The Nov. 14 event is the second of three consecutive supermoons that will occur as a result of the moon becoming full on the same day as perigee, NASA said. The first took place on Oct. 16, while the last will be visible Dec. 14.
December’s supermoon will be notable because it will take place during the Geminid meteor shower, likely wiping the view out of the normally spectacular event.
“Bright moonlight will reduce the visibility of faint meteors five to ten fold, transforming the usually fantastic Geminids into an astronomical footnote. Sky watchers will be lucky to see a dozen Geminids per hour when the shower peaks,” NASA said.
