The Moon's Big Show: November's Supermoon Explained

The moon's orbit around Earth isn't a perfect circle. It's more like an oval. This means the moon's distance from Earth changes all the time. Sometimes it's closer. Sometimes it's farther away. When the moon is full and closer to Earth, it's called a supermoon. Supermoons look bigger and brighter than usual. They can be up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than the faintest moon of the year. This is according to NASA. November's supermoon is special. It's the closest one of the year. The moon will be just under 222, 000 miles (357, 000 kilometers) away from Earth. This is the second of three supermoons this year. The first was in October. The last one will be in December. Supermoons can affect tides. When the moon is closer, tides may be slightly higher. But this difference isn't very noticeable. You don't need any special equipment to see a supermoon. If the sky is clear, you can see it with your naked eye. But it's hard to tell the difference in size just by looking. The change is more obvious when comparing images or observations. Supermoons happen a few times a year. They are a natural part of the moon's orbit. The next one after November will be in December. So, if you miss this one, you'll have another chance soon.