Summary:
The closest supermoon of 2025 will occur on Wednesday night, making the moon appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest full moon. This phenomenon occurs when the moon reaches perigee-syzygy – its closest orbital approach to Earth during full phase. November’s supermoon (222,000 miles/357,000 km proximity) marks the midpoint of 2025’s three-supermoon sequence, following October’s event and preceding December’s. NASA confirms while increased tidal forces occur, visible impacts remain minimal. Astronomical experts emphasize naked-eye observation suffices despite perceptual limitations in size contrast.
What This Means for You:
- Optimal viewing window: Observe at moonrise (local golden hour) when the moon appears largest due to lunar illusion effect against terrestrial landscapes
- Photography considerations: Use telephoto lenses (≥300mm) with foreground elements to capture perceptible size difference
- Coastal impact planning: Expect minor tidal surges (1-2 inch variance) during perigean spring tides – relevant for marine activities
- Astronomical calendar: Mark December 15 for final 2025 supermoon observing opportunity
Original Post:
NEW YORK — The moon will look slightly bigger and brighter Wednesday night during the closest supermoon of the year.
The moon’s orbit around the Earth isn’t a perfect circle, so it gets nearer and farther as it swings around. A so-called supermoon happens when a full moon is closer to Earth in its orbit. That makes the moon look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year, according to NASA.
November’s supermoon is the second of three supermoons this year and also the closest: The moon will come within just under 222,000 miles (357,000 kilometers) of Earth.
Tides may be slightly higher during a supermoon because the moon is closer to Earth, said astronomer Lawrence Wasserman with Lowell Observatory. But the difference isn’t very noticeable.
No special equipment is needed to view the supermoon if clear skies permit. But the change in the moon’s size can be tough to discern with the naked eye.
“The difference is most obvious as a comparison between other images or observations,” said Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, in an email.
Supermoons happen a few times a year. One in October made the moon look somewhat larger, and another in December will be the last of the year.
Extra Information:
- NASA Scientific Visualization Studio Moon Phase Calculator – Predicts supermoon visibility based on geolocation
- NOAA Tidal Mechanics Guide – Explains perigean spring tide impacts
People Also Ask About:
- Q: How is supermoon different from regular full moon?
A: Supermoons occur at ≤224,000 miles orbital proximity versus average 238,000 mile lunar distance. - Q: Why does November 2025 supermoon matter?
A: It’s the closest lunar approach (357,000 km) until October 2034 per celestial calculations. - Q: Can supermoons cause natural disasters?
A: No substantiated correlation – tidal forces increase - Q: How often do supermoons occur?
A: 3-4 annual occurrences in cyclical patterns due to lunar apsidal precession.
Expert Opinion:
“While supermoons captivate public attention, their astronomical significance lies in demonstrating orbital mechanics to lay observers,” notes Dr. Jackie Faherty, astrophysicist at American Museum of Natural History. “The 2025 trio provides exceptional opportunities for comparative photography to visualize celestial motion – an increasingly vital educational tool amid urban light pollution limiting regular lunar observations.”
Key Terms:
- Perigee-syzygy lunar phenomenon
- November closest supermoon 2025
- Lunar perigee/apogee cycle
- Perigean spring tide coefficients
- Astrophotography moon illusion techniques
- Comparative lunar angular diameter
- Orbital eccentricity celestial mechanics
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