Watch out for the super moon that will set a 68-year record

If you’re below retirement age, you’ll never have seen it so big or so bright. Amid all the political seismic shocks, the universe is throwing in a stunning natural phenomenon this week, with the appearance of the largest “super moon” to grace our skies in 68 years.

The  moon is coming closer to Earth than is usual on its orbit on Monday, and the side facing us will be fully illuminated by the sun. The combination produces what is known as a “super perigee full moon”, and we will witness one of the most impressive examples as it passes closer to Earth on Monday than at any point since 1948.

It should be around a third brighter than the smallest full moon and will be a mere 225,623 miles away, compared with the 252,088 miles at its furthest point from Earth. The average distance of the moon, which keeps an imperfect 27-day oval orbit, is 238,855 miles.

Full moons always rise around sunset which, cloud cover permitting, will be a good time to spot the “super moon”, said Dr Chris North, science lecturer at Cardiff University. Writing for the Conversation, he said: “The reason this perigee full moon is quite so ‘super’ is because perigee and full moons happen at almost exactly the same time, so the moon is at its closest possible when it’s also at its fullest. There are a number of other subtle effects that cause the moon’s orbit to vary slightly in size and shape, but this one pips the last few decades’ worth of super perigee full moons by a few hundred kilometers.

What causes a super moon?

The name Super Moon was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, arbitrarily defined as: ...a new or full moon which occurs with the Moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit (perigee). In short, Earth, Moon and Sun are all in a line, with Moon in its nearest approach to Earth.

How often do we have a Super Moon?

a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90%of) its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit. There are 4-6 super-moons a year on average.

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