It’s a very rare celestial phenomenon, so it’s no wonder everyone’s getting quite excited about it.
We probably know more about our star signs from the back of the newspaper than we do about actual astronomy, but scientists have assured us that this is going to be the biggest supermoon that anyone has witnessed in living memory.
Whay is this? Well, it’s because of the moon’s orbit around the earth which will be at its closest for more than 70 years, making it an incredible spectacle for photographers and star gazers around the globe.
Tonight's Target: #Supermoon
Full Moon = 14 November 2016 08:52
Perigee = 14 November 2016 06:22
Distance = 356,509 km
Rises about 16:45 pic.twitter.com/uIDJh2KkV1— Learn to Skywatch (@Learntoskywatch) November 13, 2016
Already people around the world have been gazing in amazement at the night sky – and Sunday evening was only a dress rehearsal for the main event tonight.
The supermoon will reportedly be at it’s fullest, brightest and most fantastically dazzling on Monday evening, but that didn’t stop people from going outside and snapping some pretty incredible shots of the rare occurrence.
Watch out for the supermoon that will set a 68-year record https://t.co/6SQzYeY9Ih #SuperMoon #StormHour pic.twitter.com/JNvSjo4g0t
— #StormHour (@StormHour) November 13, 2016
The last time the Moon was this close was reportedly back in 1948 and we may not see another one like this until November 25, 2034 (that’s the year, not the time).
The reason for this massive moon is because of the rocky satellite’s orbit around the earth being elliptical rather than uniformly circular.
So as the moon revolves around the earth it’s sometimes close and sometimes further away – but it’s when a full moon falls on the day that it’s closest to the Earth that we get a larger-looking Moon.
Some of people’s pictures have been quite impressive.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMw3Rn6ggDE/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMw3VKoh1Bc/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMw3XksDNjE/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMwjFQcAL3q/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMwaYaujLh9/
Tonight's almost-full "#supermoon" rising over Charlottetown, #PEI, Canada. #astronomy #moon @VirtualAstro @StormHour pic.twitter.com/aRu2huOvKk
— Brian Wagner (@DrummerBoy2112) November 13, 2016
#supermoon in London this evening over the flightpath of @HeathrowAirport, seen from @ChiswickW4 #London #moon pic.twitter.com/Q2uASdufQB
— Robert Hollingworth (@r_hollingworth) November 13, 2016
The #supermoon at Battersea Park 🌕 pic.twitter.com/f7XEtywCoO
— Will Martindale (@WillJMartindale) November 13, 2016
Tonights moonrise in Bournemouth was rather special #mycanon #canon #moonrise #supermoon #supermoon2016 #thelensbible pic.twitter.com/qUAm4EUulF
— MattHardyPhotography (@MHardy_Photo) November 13, 2016
As the sun sets the (almost) #Supermoon rises. pic.twitter.com/EI9p02W6aX
— BBC Weather Watchers (@BBCWthrWatchers) November 13, 2016
Hopefully we'll get clear skies to see tomorrow's #supermoon Meanwhile, here's one I took earlier over Blackpool. pic.twitter.com/HSnBA9MQ5D
— Stephen Cheatley Photo 📸 (@Stephencheatley) November 13, 2016
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