Supermoon 2013: It's Not Too Late to See This Year's Supermoon!

Impact

Before you retire for the night and get ready for another week back at the old grind, be sure to step outside to fully enjoy the view of the of the supermoon, the largest moon you will see this year.

The term "supermoon" (or in more astronomical terms, "perigee moon") is used to describe the moon when it is at its closest point to the Earth and is an annual occurrence. 

Astronomer Bob Berman explains that given that it is happening particularly close to the Summer Solstice which occurred on Friday, this year's supermoon will especially be an amazing sight.

"The visual effect is to make this the lowest­ down full Moon of 2013," Berman said.  "And since lower Moons tend to be orange, ­yellow, or amber, shining as they do through more than twice as much reddening air and moisture, this lunar experience should give us a true 'honey moon' all night long."

Despite the myths that exist and cause irrational fears that supermoons drive people to insanity, bring natural disasters, or cause overwhelmingly monstrous floods, supermoons do cause higher tides, but not to the extent of causing meteorological mayhem. 

If for some reason viewing the supermoon outside is not an option, a live webcast will be available tonight at 9 p.m. EDT via the Slooh Space Camera and can be accessed by clicking this link.

Supermoons appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon, which makes them brilliantly illuminate the night sky. Though the supermoon made its preliminary appearance at the start of the weekend and showed most prominently at dawn, those who have not seen it yet have not missed their opportunity.

Observing this moon will be an excellent way to take a step back and experience nature in one of its most remarkable forms.