The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:25 PM

2017's Only Supermoon To Show Itself Sunday Night

It’s been a year since the visible supermoon last graced our skies, when the full moon was closest to the Earth. On Sunday (Dec. 3), the supermoon will have an encore and swing 26,500 km (approximately 16,500 miles) closer than usual.

Dec. 3 is the first of three supermoons in a row. Get a jump on lesson planning with our latest #TeachableMoment – plus an activity on measuring the #supermoon! – https://t.co/ouz8yYn3dB pic.twitter.com/Vc86h9g7Cx

— NASAJPL Edu (@NASAJPL_Edu) November 16, 2017

Last year, the moon was the closest its been since 1948. That distance won’t be bested again until 2034. But this year’s supermoon will still appear 7% bigger and 16% brighter than the average full moon.

As luck would have it, supermoons that occur during the winter months in the northern hemisphere also look larger than supermoons during other times of the year. That’s because the Earth is closer to the sun, and the sun’s gravity tugs the moon closer to the Earth.

A man walks on the top span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the supermoon enters its final phase in Sydney, Australia, November 15, 2016.© Provided by Quartz A man walks on the top span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the supermoon enters its final phase in Sydney, Australia, November 15, 2016.

When can I see the supermoon?

The best time to enjoy the supermoon is right after moonrise and before sunrise, when the moon is sitting on the horizon. It will appear its biggest and brightest because of a “moon illusion” effect that’s created when you are able to compare the lunar body to other objects for scale, like buildings and foliage. Check your local moonrise time here.

Here are a few things you should know ahead of this weekend's #supermoon... because in the moment, you may be too gobsmacked to ask it any questions. https://t.co/kGmB8rlVww @michaeldestries pic.twitter.com/yA5Jdt51jh

— MotherNatureNetwork (@MotherNatureNet) November 29, 2017

If you miss the moonrise, don’t worry. The supermoon will still be great as it traverses the sky. According to University of Arizona professor Gurtina Besla, there’s also a peak viewing time at 3:45 a.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 4 (8:45 p.m. GMT).

If you miss the moon the day of, you can continue to enjoy a larger-than-average moon for the following few days. It just won’t be a full moon.

Mark your calendars for December 3, when you'll be treated to the brightest #supermoon of the year: https://t.co/V7h2m54Ycv pic.twitter.com/6vWlPLgoHw

— WillCoForestPreserve (@WillCoForests) November 27, 2017
the tower of the city© Provided by Quartz

Can I see the supermoon without going outside?

If it’s too cloudy, or too cold to go outside, there are options to beam the supermoon straight to your living room. The Virtual Telescope project provides a livestream of its rise over Rome’s skyline, beginning at 16:00 UT. If you choose to watch it live, check what local time you should tune in here.

The moon is going to be much larger and brighter this month #supermoonhttps://t.co/oEtAQmSpAa

— WalesOnline (@WalesOnline) November 29, 2017

What’s the best way to photograph the supermoon?
To take a picture of the supermoon with a smartphone, tap on the moon on the screen and hold your finger in place to lock the camera’s focus. Then adjust the exposure slider that appears next to your finger to get the right balance of light for your shot.

Prepare for the #supermoon by getting to know all about our moon. Here's 10 need-to-know moon facts: https://t.co/Q63TGGJifN pic.twitter.com/LtSzgdZ4Jw

— NASA (@NASA) November 13, 2016

If you’re using a DSLR, NASA’s senior photographer Bill Ingalls recommends that you use the daylight white balance to adjust for the sunlight being reflected off the moon. He says that it’s important to keep in mind that the moon is a moving object. “It’s a balancing act between trying to get the right exposure and realizing that the shutter speed typically needs to be a lot faster.”

#supermoon When to see the spectacular Cold Full Moon this weekend #WestBridgford #Nottingham https://t.co/w0pmwkWYZx pic.twitter.com/BV7cDoftn5

— West Bridgford Wire (@westbridgfdwire) November 29, 2017

To get an original shot, Ingalls suggests taking a picture that puts the moon in context of a local landmark, something that gives your photo a sense of place. “Don’t make the mistake of photographing the moon by itself with no reference to anything,” say Ingalls. “Everyone will get that shot.”

83% waxing gibbous moon over Williamsburg VA. Canon T5i through @Celestron 8” SCT #supermoonchallenge #supermoon @Slooh pic.twitter.com/72JizWIs3L

— Christopher Becke (@BeckePhysics) November 30, 2017

Do I need special glasses to watch the supermoon?

Fortunately, unlike the solar eclipse, the supermoon is safe to view with the naked eye! There’s nothing to worry about if you find yourself enthralled, and staring up into the sky for a very long time.