On Wednesday evening, the moon will shine in the sky, appearing 8% larger and 16% brighter than usual, in a natural light show awaited by astronomy enthusiasts and photography lovers around the world.
This exceptional phenomenon results from the moon reaching its closest point in its elliptical orbit around the Earth, in what is known astronomically as "lunar perigee," which this time coincides with a full moon, creating a breathtaking celestial display
The Royal Museums Greenwich confirm that the spectacle will be clearly visible to the naked eye, while this phenomenon represents a golden opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to observe details of the moon's surface using binoculars and telescopes.
It is worth noting that this supermoon will be the closest this year, as it will be only 357,000 km away from Earth, compared to the average distance of 384,000 km, making it the largest supermoon of this year.
Looking at the moon just after sunset or shortly before sunrise will provide a breathtaking view, as the moon will appear enormous compared to the surrounding landmarks.
The first full moon in November is traditionally known as the "Beaver Moon," a reference to an ancient folk tradition. This term is believed to have been used across multiple cultures, from Native American tribes to European settlers, and refers to the period when beavers are active in dam building and food storage.
In addition to their breathtaking appearance, supermoons affect Earth's tides, as experts explain: "Tides are caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the sun and moon on Earth's oceans. When the moon is closer during the phenomenon, the gravitational force increases slightly, leading to a rise in tide. However, this effect is very slight, with a difference of only a few centimeters between the usual moon tide and the supermoon tide."
Although this is not the last supermoon of the year - we will see another one on December 4 - the moon will not return to this size and brightness again until November 24, 2026.
For those interested in documenting the moon, beautiful photos can be taken with smartphones, provided the phone is placed on a level surface to avoid blurry images. For SLR camera users, a 250mm lens can achieve better results. For serious enthusiasts, a 500-600mm lens or a long-focal-length telescope will ensure the finest details are captured. Experts recommend using a shutter speed of 1/30 of a second with a low ISO setting for sharper images.
