The biggest full moon of the year is imminent

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But despite the fascination it causes, one small drawback could affect the observation of this natural phenomenon. Find out everything you need to know about the supermoon, its exact time, and the best time to view it.
Supermoon in October
The supermoon will reach its full size on October 17, 2024. However, the exact full moon position will occur at 13:26 (Central European Time), in the middle of the day, when the moon is not yet visible to the human eye. Shortly afterwards, the moon begins to wane again, but this transition is barely noticeable.

When is the best time to observe?
The moon will not rise until 18:11, but by this time it will already have moved some distance from Earth. To see the moon at its closest proximity to the Earth, it is advisable to keep an eye on the night of October 16-17. The shortest distance between Earth and the Moon will reach October 17 at 2:51 am. Although the moon will not be completely full at this time, this is the moment when it will be closest to the Earth.

The smallest distance: A special sight at night
During the night of October 16-17, the moon will be at its closest distance to Earth. This will be around 357,000 kilometres. By comparison, the average distance between the Earth and the moon is around 384,400 kilometres. This close position makes the moon appear significantly larger and brighter than usual. According to NASA, the moon can appear up to 30 percent brighter on such nights. For observers, this means a unique opportunity to experience the moon at its most impressive.

What exactly is a supermoon?
The term “supermoon” is not actually an official term in astronomy. Rather, it is a phenomenon that refers to the closest distance of the moon to the Earth during its full phase. A supermoon is defined as when the moon is less than 360,000 kilometres away from the Earth. This proximity not only makes the moon appear visually larger, but also significantly brighter. This effect can make for breathtaking images, especially on clear nights.