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Skywatchers don’t want to miss the spectacular supermoon tonight

You may recall the recent ultra-rare blood moon eclipse that took place on September 28, being the fifth supermoon this year. On October 26th and 27th you can once again view a spectacular supermoon, also referred as perigee moons.

Four to six supermoons are expected every year, which occur when the moon is at its closest distance from earth.

A supermoon is the coincidence of a full moon or a new moon with the closest approach the Moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit, resulting in the largest apparent size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth. Credit: Space.com

The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox which took place last night. As for tonight, the Hunter’s Moon, the full moon after the Harvest Moon, can be admired. According to the Alabama Media Group, this name comes from the Native American who had the tradition of using the bright lunar light as a guide during the final hunts before winter.

We can appreciate this moon that appears about 14 percent bigger and brighter than normal when two events happen: the moon has to become new or full and, at the same time, when it is situated closest to us in its orbit. This event can also be described as the moment when the moon is located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun.

Another astronomical event that is taking place this week is the Asteroid 2015 TB145 fly by the Earth at a safe distance on October 31 at around 12:05 p.m. CST.

Even though the blood moon eclipse was a trending topic in social media, the upcoming supermoon is believed to be something very special according to NASA.

Source: Nature World Report

Categories: Science
Tags: Supermoon
Luisa Blessing:
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