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A BRIGHTEST SUPERMOONS HAVE APPEARED AFTER A DECADES

The full moon on November 14, 2016, is a SUPER MOONS—that is, a full moon that occurs when it is at its closest point, or perigee, to Earth in its orbit.

Since the full moon is at its perigee, it is at its biggest and brightest and is about 25 percent brighter than when it is at the farthest point, or apogee. This supermoon is the brightest since 1948, and it will not be as bright again until November 25, 2034. Usually a supermoon is a full moon that occurs on the same day as perigee. This supermoon will become full just two hours from perigee. The year 2016 has been an unusual time for supermoons, since the last three full moons of the year will be supermoons.
The concept of the supermoon came from 20th-century American astrology, in which it was originally defined as either a new or full moon that occurred within 10 percent of perigee and was seen as a portent of disasters. However, in a strange cultural quirk, the term escaped astrology into the mainstream to become an excuse to look at a really bright full moon.
Supermoon rising over desert mountains on August 10, 2014 in Barstow, California.
picture of the supermoon astrological view
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