Buzz
This evening's moon will be a 'pink supermoon,' named for the pink flowers that bloom early in spring in the U.S. More generally, a 'supermoon' refers to a full moon that happens when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, a phase called perigee.
This moon will appear slightly larger than usual—about 7% bigger than the average full moon and 14% larger than a micro-moon, the smallest moon phase. What will really stand out is its brightness, being 15% brighter than the typical full moon and 30% brighter than the micro-moon.
Expect the moon to shine with an extra brilliance tonight, as its luminosity will be 15% greater than the normal full moon, and 30% more intense than a micro-moon, all while being 7% bigger in size.
This marks the third consecutive month that a full moon has earned supermoon status, with May also making the cut. But tonight’s supermoon will outshine the rest, being the largest and brightest of the year, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Experts suggest that the moon will be especially stunning at tonight’s moonrise, with the exact moment of fullness occurring at 10:35 ET. It will reach its peak height around midnight. However, if you miss these exact times, don't worry—the moon will still appear fully illuminated throughout the evening. (To find your local moonrise and moonset times, check here.)
For those with kids, tonight could be the perfect opportunity to let them stay up a little later and explore the various phases of the moon and how the moon orbits the Earth. Even if you prefer not to turn it into a lesson, it's still a great chance to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
