Full moon will be a supermoon

August is set to see the first of four consecutive supermoons –  a bigger and brighter full moon occurring during its closest approach to Earth 

EARTH

MOON

Supermoon: Will occur at 18:26 GMT on Aug 19, 2024

Supermoons will also occur on Sep 17, Oct 17 and Nov 15

August’s supermoon: 361,970km from Earth

PERIGEE
Elliptical lunar orbit, distance between Earth and Moon varies over time

APOGEE
When Moon is furthest from Earth

384,400km: Average distance between Earth and Moon

PERIGEE MOON
Full supermoon is biggest and brightest full moon of year, appearing approx. 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual

September’s supermoon: Will occur 357,486km from Earth. Partial lunar eclipse will also take place – visible in Americas, Africa and Europe

APOGEE MOON
October’s supermoon: Will be year’s closest at 357,364km from Earth

November’s supermoon: Will be at distance of 361,867km

Sources: Associated Press, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA Today
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