The next full moon you’re going to see will be absolutely extraordinary.
This Sunday will make selenographists the world over very happy, as a bigger and brighter moon is set to be visible as it moves closer towards Earth.
Traditionally known as the Cold Moon, this supermoon is a December-only phenomenon and will appear to be 14% bigger and 30% brighter than usual. The supermoon will rise on Sunday, 3 December and will become full at 3:47pm GMT – remaining bright and full throughout the night.
The Cold Moon won’t actually reach the closest point to the Earth’s surface until Monday morning, but Sunday night is when it will be at its most striking.
Tom Kerss, an astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich, stated that Sunday would be the best day to view the Cold Moon. He went on to say: ‘This year’s Cold Moon is closer to us than the average full moon this year; close enough to qualify as a supermoon, according to the widely accepted definition
”The moon will reach its highest point above the horizon at midnight local time. This is when, weather permitting, it will appear at its clearest and brightest.’’
This weekend’s supermoon will be 222,761 miles from Earth, over 16,000 miles closer than its average 238,900 miles. However, it will appear larger to the human eye due to an optical illusion rather than proximity to the Earth’s surface.
Mr Kerss explained: “During moonrise and moonset, you might think the moon looks unusually large, but this is an illusion created in the mind when it appears close to the horizon. In fact, the change in the moon’s apparent size throughout its orbit is imperceptible to the unaided eye.
”Nevertheless, the ‘moon illusion’ can be a dramatic effect, and with the moon rising so early, there will be ample opportunities to see its apparently huge face juxtaposed with the eastern skyline.’’
And as for eye optical safety – don’t worry too much. Kerss also mentioned that looking directly at the Cold Moon this weekend, using the naked eye or even binoculars, is perfectly fine.
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