What is a supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, a point known as perigee.

Because the Moon’s orbit is slightly elliptical, its distance from Earth varies. When the full moon happens near perigee:

• The Moon appears larger in size
• It looks brighter than usual in the night sky

On average, a supermoon can appear about:

• 14% bigger
• 30% brighter than a typical full moon

However, the size difference is subtle and may not be easily noticeable without comparison.

Clarification:
“Supermoon” is not a formal scientific term but is widely used in astronomy communication to describe this visual phenomenon.

Why it matters:
Supermoons are popular observational events and can slightly influence tides, causing higher-than-normal high tides.