SUPERMOON, EXPLAINED
Does a supermoon
really look bigger?
A supermoon is a full Moon near the closest part of its orbit. It is physically closer, larger, and brighter in the sky, but the visual difference is often subtle without a comparison.
NEXT 2026 SUPERMOON · UTC/KST
NOV 2414:53 UTC · 23:53 KSTA full Moon near perigee
The Moon follows an elliptical orbit, so its distance from Earth changes. A full Moon near perigee—the closest part of that orbit—is commonly called a supermoon. It is a popular term rather than a single official astronomical classification, so lists can differ.
Up to about 14% larger and 30% brighter
NASA compares the closest full Moon with the farthest and notes differences of up to roughly 14% in apparent diameter and 30% in brightness. Those numbers are measurable, but the Moon is not shown beside its smaller version in the real sky, so memory is a poor ruler.
Watch near moonrise with a clear horizon
A low Moon beside buildings, trees, or hills can feel especially large because of the Moon illusion. Arrive before moonrise, choose an open eastern horizon, and compare photos made from the same location with the same focal length.
Check the next moonriseSource
Definition, size and brightness comparisons, and 2026 dates follow NASA Science.
NASA Supermoons ↗Full Moon Calendar 2026 →