On November 14, 2016, the moon will appear roughly 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than an average full moon due to being at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
If you’re wondering why this astronomical event is more unique than recent supermoons, it’s because this particular supermoon will be the closest the moon gets to Earth until November 25, 2034, and the closest it has been since January 1948.
As explained by NASA, the term ‘supermoon’ has taken on a more generalized definition than in the past. Nowadays, any moon that appears larger than usual, due to its location in its orbit, is often referred to as a supermoon. Originally, the term supermoon only referred to the moon when it was within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth, which happens far less often.
As for how large this supermoon will appear on camera, a great deal of variables can affect that. Thanks to what’s referred to as the “moon illusion,” the size of the moon is most emphasized when seen at the horizon, where there are trees, buildings, and other objects to help contextualize its impressive glow. Of course, light pollution will also play a role, so if you live in the city and are hoping to capture solid shots, you might want to take a little camping trip out of town.
Make sure your gear is charged, and your settings are nailed, and you should be good to go. If you manage to capture a shot, leave us a link in the comments below and we’ll be sure to check it out!
