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Look Forward To A Bright Spot Monday With The Biggest Supermoon Since 1948

Brad Thompson
/
Shutterstock

On Monday, the full moon will be the biggest and brightest it’s been in almost 70 years.

It’s commonly called a “supermoon.” It’s a phenomenon that occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon being at its “perigee.” That's the point in the moon’s orbit when it’s closest to Earth.

On the other hand, the moon’s “apogee” is the point in the moon’s orbit farthest from Earth.

This year, the full moons in October, November and December all take place when the moon is at its perigee. But this month’s supermoon — happening Monday — is going to be the closest full moon since January 1948, according to NASA.

For perspective, the last time the moon was so close — in fact, 29 miles closer — was the same year the Cleveland Indians last won the World Series. 

It will appear up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the smallest full moon (an apogee full moon). And this upcoming full moon won’t come this close to Earth again for another 18 years. When Nov. 25, 2034 arrives, the moon will come even closer, within 221,485 miles, the Associated Press reports. 

As long as there are clear skies in North Texas, the best time to see the supermoon is Saturday, Sunday and Monday night, according to this https://youtu.be/26xl7oMj0xM">NASA scientist.

The next supermoon will be Dec. 14.

Watch this video for more background on the supermoons of 2016:

https://youtu.be/sWAN0FwfD5M","_id":"00000174-20e4-d47e-a1f7-72e51de80001","_type":"035d81d3-5be2-3ed2-bc8a-6da208e0d9e2"}">https://youtu.be/sWAN0FwfD5M">https://youtu.be/sWAN0FwfD5M","_id":"00000174-20e4-d47e-a1f7-72e51de80001","_type":"035d81d3-5be2-3ed2-bc8a-6da208e0d9e2"}">https://youtu.be/sWAN0FwfD5M

 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.