Supermoon on Monday To Be Extra Super
On Monday people will have the chance to view the supermoon- the closest full moon of the year.
But Monday’s supermoon is extra special, it is the closest the moon will come towards Earth in almost 69 years and it won’t happen again for another 18 years.
According to NASA, the closest approach will take place at 6:21 a.m. on Monday. At that time the moon will be within 221,523 miles of Earth, which is from the center of the Earth to the center of the moon. The Full moon will occur at 8:52 a.m.
NASA planetary geologist Noah Petro says at the time of the closest approach the moon will be setting as the sun is rising on the East Coast making prime viewing Sunday and Monday night.
“I’ve been telling people to go out at night on either Sunday or Monday night to see the supermoon,” Petro said in a NASA statement.
A supermoon can appear 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter in the night sky versus dawn. It would take a real expert to notice that difference though.
If the weather permits, the supermoon can be a show for everyone on the planet to witness.
“The difference in distance from one night to the next will be very subtle, so if it’s cloudy on Sunday, go out on Monday,” said Petro.
The last time the moon was this close was in January 1948. At that time the moon was actually 29 miles closer than the moon with be on Monday. 1948 is the same year the Cleveland Indians last won the World Series. Coincidence?
The next supermoon in 2034 will be even closer, within 221,485 miles.
The supermoon will also bring high tides, but those tides would only become dangerous if there was a storm in the forecast and as of now there is not.
