The concept of a supermoon may seem exciting, but it is actually a rather insignificant occurrence. The distance between the Moon and Earth varies as the Moon orbits around us, ranging from 357,000 to 407,000 kilometers. When the Moon and the Sun are nearly opposite each other from our perspective on Earth, we witness a full moon. A supermoon, on the other hand, is simply a full moon that occurs when the Moon is within 10% of its closest approach to Earth along its orbit. That’s all there is to it.
Essentially, a supermoon appears to be about 14% larger in diameter than the smallest possible full moon. However, this difference is not noticeable to the naked eye. As an astronomer, I find the hype around supermoons to be problematic. There are genuinely awe-inspiring celestial wonders to behold in the night sky, so it is disappointing to see the attention being diverted to a rather lackluster event like a supermoon.
If you do decide to observe the Moon and happen to catch a supermoon, go ahead and enjoy the sight. However, there are better times to appreciate our natural satellite, especially with the aid of binoculars or a telescope. The ideal time to observe the Moon is when its shadows, as seen from Earth, are longest. These elongated shadows help accentuate the craters and mountains, allowing us to appreciate the dramatic landscape of our neighboring celestial body.
Supermoons serve as distractions from more captivating astronomical phenomena. Have you ever observed the craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, the clouds of Jupiter, or the Orion nebula through a telescope? They are truly awe-inspiring sights that even the most dedicated astronomers revisit time and time again.
In fact, astronomers prefer to avoid nights with supermoons and use that time to catch up on sleep. Full moons flood the night sky with light, making it more challenging to observe subtler and more interesting celestial objects. If you want to witness the grandeur of the Milky Way with the naked eye or experience a meteor shower, comet, or aurora, it is best to do so without the interference of a supermoon.
While it can be exciting to witness rare or unusual events in the sky, supermoons do not fall into that category either. Based on the definition I mentioned earlier, we typically have three or four supermoons each year. More restrictive definitions may yield one or two supermoons annually. Not only are they not rare, but they also simply appear as full moons.
There are genuinely rare celestial events that can truly inspire awe. In May 2024, millions of people around the world witnessed vibrant auroras, even in places where such displays are infrequent. Comets can also be breathtaking. Every decade or so, a comet enters the inner Solar System, producing a luminous tail that stretches millions of kilometers and is visible from Earth. I remember seeing Comet Hyakutake’s brilliant blue tail spanning a vast expanse of the sky when I was a student. While some comets may disappoint, the great ones are truly amazing.
If you’re seeking something impressive, I recommend exploring eclipses. Auroras and comets can be unpredictable, but eclipses are reliable and offer a captivating spectacle. Total solar eclipses, when the Moon obscures the Sun and daylight briefly turns into darkness, attract thousands of travelers from across the globe. Personally, I am eagerly anticipating the 2028 eclipse and plan to travel to New South Wales to witness it.
Lunar eclipses, which occur when the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow, provide a more accessible eclipse experience that can be observed from the comfort of your own home every few years. During the most remarkable lunar eclipses, the Moon takes on a deep red hue as it is illuminated solely by sunlight filtered through Earth’s atmosphere.
As an astronomer, I encourage people to explore the wonders of the cosmos. Venture out and witness the Moon when it can truly leave a lasting impression, such as during an eclipse or when observed through a telescope. Alternatively, take pleasure in observing the planets, auroras, comets, and meteor showers when the Moon is absent from the sky. However, I urge you not to waste your time on supermoons.