What made last night special?
Last night’s full Moon was celebrated around the world as a supermoon—a time when the Moon appears slightly larger and brighter because it is closer to Earth in its elliptical orbit. If you noticed the Moon looking unusually vivid and orange at sunset, you were not imagining it. The Moon’s apparent size can vary, and the supermoon is a popular moment for skywatchers and photographers alike.
How often do supermoons occur?
A supermoon isn’t a formal astronomical term, but it’s a widely used nickname for a full Moon that coincides with perigee—the point in the Moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth. Because the Moon’s orbit is elliptical, its distance to Earth changes throughout the month. When perigee lines up with full Moon, photographers often observe a slightly bigger, brighter Moon in the night sky.
Why the Moon can look orange at sunset
Even more striking is the Moon’s color during sunrise or sunset. The longer path through Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths, leaving a reddish-orange hue. Atmospheric conditions like haze or smoke can intensify this effect, creating memorable skies for observers and social media alike.
What to expect tonight and in the coming weeks
While tonight’s Moon may still be impressive due to lingering illumination, note that a true “supermoon” occurs when the Full Moon coincides with perigee. If tonight’s Moon is not full, it won’t be labeled a supermoon in the strict sense, but you will still get a bright, photogenic Moon on some evenings around perigee.
To maximize your chances of a striking shot, try the classic Moon illusion: photograph the Moon low on the eastern horizon shortly after sunset with a foreground like hills or buildings to emphasize its apparent size. NASA notes that this optical illusion is created by perspective and zoom, not a change in the Moon’s size itself.
Next two supermoon dates to watch
For precise dates, the consensus among science communicators is to check reliable calendars. As highlighted by ABC science reporter Jacinta Bowler, you should mark these two upcoming opportunities on your calendar and plan ahead for photography sessions. (Note: Please verify exact dates with a current scientific calendar or NCC/major space agency pages, as dates can shift slightly with time zones and lunar calculations.)
Photo tips for catching the Moon
– Use a telephoto lens to bring the Moon closer.
– Include a recognizable foreground for the Moon illusion effect.
– Shoot during golden hour or after sunset for color contrast.
– Take multiple exposures to capture near-planetary detail and any surrounding haze.
Conclusion: the Moon is worth looking up tonight
Last night’s harvest moon reminded us that the sky offers moments of wonder when the Moon aligns with perigee. Whether you’re a casual skywatcher or a seasoned photographer, keep an eye on the horizon after sunset and be ready to snap a shot when the Moon rises with that extra glow.
