By Adithi RamakrishnanAP Science Writer
Witness the Year’s Closest Supermoon
NEW YORK – On Wednesday night, the moon will appear larger and more luminous than usual, marking the closest supermoon of the year.
Understanding the Supermoon Phenomenon
The moon’s path around Earth is elliptical, causing it to vary in distance. A supermoon occurs when a full moon is at its nearest point to Earth, making it seem up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the dimmest full moon, as per NASA.
November’s Celestial Highlight
This November supermoon is the second of three this year and the closest, coming within just under 222,000 miles (357,000 kilometers) of our planet.
Impact on Tides
According to Lawrence Wasserman, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, tides may rise slightly due to the moon’s proximity, though the change is subtle.
Viewing Tips
No special tools are required to enjoy the supermoon, provided the skies are clear. However, the size difference might be hard to notice without comparison, notes Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University.
Supermoons Throughout the Year
Supermoons occur several times annually. October’s supermoon offered a slightly larger view, and December will host the final one of the year.
Ramakrishnan writes for the Associated Press.
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