What Is A ‘Supermoon’ And Why Should You Care It’s Coming Out This Weekend? [VIDEO]
Amateur astronomers may want to dust off their telescopes, because a massive full moon — aka a “supermoon” — will arrive this weekend and it’ll be the year’s biggest.
The moon will become full on Saturday at 11:35 pm EDT and orbit the Earth at a distance of only 221,802 miles, giving amazing views of a gigantic, extra-bright moon. In fact, skywatchers can look forward to a moon that’s about 16 percent brighter than usual.
But despite its extra-large appearance in the sky, there’s no need to worry about the moon causing disaster here on terra firma, according to experts. Scientists don’t expect earthquakes or catastrophic tidal forces as a result.
To get the best view, check out the supermoon when it’s close to the horizon. View the moon either just after it rises or before it sets with an object (a tree or building, for example) in the foreground. The resulting optical illusion will make it seem even larger.
[MSNBC]