Look Up to See Supermoon Tonight Say Astronomers – Where and When to Look

If the moon seem particularly bright tonight, its not just you. The moon tonight is what scientists are referring to as a Supermoon. Just minutes before reaching the official fullest appearance, the full moon tonight will also make its closest pass to our Earth at a distance of 221,802 miles.

The close pass, due to the elliptical path of our nearest celestial neighbor, will take place at 11:35 eastern time tonight according to astronomers. This is about 25,0000 miles closer than at it farthest part of its orbit. At this close proximity, the moon appears 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than when it’s farthest from us.

While tides may be slightly higher in some areas, the supermoon is really just all about appearance and is certainly not a cause for alarm.

While the closest pass occurs just before midnight tonight, you may want to check out the supermoon in the early evening as the moon begins to rise. The optical illusions at this low point in the sky, plus the dust in the atmosphere will make this supermoon appear even larger, and give it an ominous orange color. Just look to the east in the early evening.