The Biggest Supermoon in Almost 70 Years Is Just Around the Corner

Nov. 14 will bring the closest moon of the 21st century.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

2016 is winding down in style, with two more supermoons left on the astronomical calendar before the end of the year. There was a super moon on Oct. 16, and another two, including one of the biggest and most spectacular in nearly 70 years are yet to come. There will be a supermoon Dec. 14, but the big shebang that is not to be missed is just around the celestial corner on Nov. 14.

According to NASA, a supermoon (more scientifically referred to as a perigree full moon) are up to between 14 and 30 percent brighter than a typical moon appearance, making for a really beautiful view, provided clouds and light pollution don't get in the way. NASA says it's hard to know exactly how much bigger the moon seems in the sky during supermoon events, but they're a great sky-viewing opportunity nonetheless.

The supermoon that will grace the earth on Nov. 14 will be the closest the moon has been to the earth since January of 1948, according to Science Alert. The next time the moon will be this near won't be until Nov. 25, 2034.

Those who will have a view of the moon near the horizon and near earth-bound visual markers such as buildings and trees will have the maximum "moon illusion," which is when the moon looks even closer than it actually is, according to NASA. NASA says this "effect is an optical illusion, but that fact doesn’t take away from the experience."

So on Nov. 14, gear up with binoculars and telescopes if you can, find a spot with some trees, and prepare to see the closest moon we've had so far in the 21st century.

Latest in Life