It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s not to be missed! The breathtaking Supermoon will grace the night sky this weekend. The moon will be at its fullest Friday and Saturday nights.
A Supermoon is when the moon is somewhat closer to earth than it typically is, and the effect is magnified when it occurs at the same as a full moon. Supermoons take place every 13 months and 18 days. There will be five Supermoons in 2014. There were two in January (Jan. 1 and Jan. 30), which were new moons. The next will be July 12, Aug. 10, and Sept. 9. Those will be full moons. August’s Supermoon is expected to be the biggest of the year, as the moon will be closest to Earth on that day.
So, where can you get a glimpse of the Supermoon?
If you’re on the West Coast, you can see July’s Supermoon at the precise instant of the full moon, shortly before sunrise on July 12.
For the southern parts of the country, partly cloudy skies are forecast tonight, so it may be harder to see through the clouds.
For New Yorkers, the best time to witness the oversized moon will be Friday at 8:24 p.m. and Saturday at 8:25 p.m.
For Chicagoans, thunderstorms are expected Friday and Saturday evening, dampening any plans to witness the Supermoon.