This week’s supermoon, the biggest since 1948

A vey rare supermoon will appear in the skies this Monday, November 14, 2016.

The term “supermoon” coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 is a new or full moon that occurs when the Moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth during its orbit. This year, what will occur in astronomical terms is the Perigee Full Moon – a full moon that is closer than average to the Earth.

According to the PAGASA Astronomy Division, the Moon will reach perigee on November 14, 2016 at 07:21 PM. This will be the closest perigee since January 26, 1948.

According to National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA, a supermoon or perigee full moon can be as much as 14% bigger and 30% brighter than an apogee full moon. However, NASA warned that clouds or the glare of urban lights could easily mask 30% of the lunar brightness.

America’s astronomical body also added that the full moon of November 14 is not only the closest full moon of 2016, but also the closest full moon to date in the 21st century. The full moon won’t come this close to the Earth again until November 25, 2034.

Wherever you are this Monday night, make sure to look up and take a photo of the rare supermoon!

REFERENCES:

https://science.nasa.gov/news-articles/2016-ends-with-three-supermoons
http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/index.php/astronomy/astronomy-in-the-philippines/28-astronomy/424-sky-this-month