Watch CBS News

Showstopper November Supermoon Is Closest Moon To Earth Since 1948

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- South Florida will soon be in for another celestial treat with a showstopper of a supermoon.

On Monday, November 14th, you may notice the full moon will look bigger and brighter than usual.  Actually, it'll appear 14-percent bigger and 30-percent brighter, making it a supermoon.

This month's is especially 'super' for two reasons: it is the only supermoon this year to be completely full, and it is the closest moon to Earth since 1948 – when a gallon of gas cost just 16 cents. The moon won't be this super again until 2034! That makes this supermoon extra super.

The scientific term for the supermoon phenonmenon is "perigree moon" or the point when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its monthly orbit.

Depending on where you're viewing it from, the difference between a supermoon and a regular full moon may be difficult. If the Moon is hanging high overhead, and you have no buildings or landmarks to compare it to, it can be tricky to tell that it's larger than usual.

But if you're viewing from a spot where the Moon is closer to the horizon, it can create what's known as 'moon illusion' which makes the moon look unnaturally large when viewed through trees, buildings, or other foreground objects, according to NASA.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.