When the full Moon rises larger and brighter than usual, lighting up the night sky like a glowing lantern, it’s not just your imagination — it’s what astronomers call a supermoon. But what exactly happens when the Moon comes unusually close to Earth? Let’s explore the science behind this stunning celestial event and why it captivates sky-watchers around the world.
🌍 What Is a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s full phase
coincides with its closest point to Earth, known as perigee.
Because the Moon’s orbit around Earth is slightly elliptical, its
distance from us changes throughout the month.
At perigee, the Moon can be about 363,300 km away,
while at its farthest point (apogee), it’s roughly 405,500 km
away. When a full Moon happens near that closest distance, the result is a brighter
and slightly larger-looking Moon — a supermoon.
Scientists often describe it as a “perigee-syzygy”
event, meaning the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up in a straight line while the
Moon is at perigee.
🔭 How Much Bigger and
Brighter Is It?
- A
supermoon can appear up to 14% larger in apparent diameter than a
normal full Moon.
- It can
also shine up to 30% brighter than when the Moon is at apogee.
Although these numbers sound dramatic, to the naked eye the
difference is subtle — unless you compare photos of a supermoon and a regular
full Moon side by side.
Interestingly, when the Moon is near the horizon, our
brains make it appear even bigger due to a visual trick called the Moon
illusion — not because of its actual size change, but because of how our
minds interpret distance and perspective.
🌊 Does the Supermoon
Affect Earth?
Yes — but not in the dramatic way myths suggest.
- Tides:
Because the Moon is closer, its gravitational pull on Earth increases
slightly, making high tides a bit higher and low tides slightly
lower than average.
- Natural
disasters: There’s no scientific evidence linking supermoons to
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or extreme weather. The change in
gravitational force is too small to trigger such events.
The most noticeable impact of a supermoon is visual — not
physical. It’s a chance to experience a night sky at its most enchanting.
📸 How to See and
Photograph a Supermoon
If you’re planning to capture the beauty of a supermoon,
follow these tips:
- Check
the timing – Use astronomy apps or websites to find when the Moon
rises in your area.
- Shoot
near moonrise or moonset – The horizon adds depth and scale to your
photo.
- Include
foreground elements – Trees, mountains, or even your motorbike can
give your shot context and emotion.
- Use
a telephoto lens – A longer focal length emphasizes the Moon’s size.
- Adjust
your settings – Keep ISO low and shutter speed high; the Moon is
brighter than it looks!
A supermoon night is perfect for travel and adventure
footage — think of filming a calm campsite, a forest silhouette, or a quiet
road ride under the glowing full Moon.
🌕 Why Supermoons Matter
Beyond their beauty, supermoons help people connect with astronomy
and nature. They remind us of the rhythms of our planet and the delicate
cosmic dance between Earth and the Moon.
Whether you’re stargazing, filming a nature vlog, or just enjoying the view — a supermoon is a reminder that science and wonder often meet in the same sky.
🧭 References
- NASA Science – “Supermoons” (2023)
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) – “What’s a Supermoon —
and Just How Super Is It?” (2023)
- Natural History Museum (UK) – “What Is a Supermoon?” (2024)
- University College London – “Supermoon: How an Illusion
Makes the Full Moon Appear Bigger Than It Really Is” (2023)
- EarthSky.org – “What Is a Supermoon?” (2024)
- Wikipedia – “Supermoon” (2024)
- Wired – “The Supermoon Won’t Set Off Earthquakes” (2015,
reviewed 2023)
- EBSCO Research Starters – “Supermoon” (2023)
