To understand how supermoons work, let's delve into the Moon's orbit around Earth. The Moon orbits our planet in an elliptical path, meaning its distance from Earth varies during each orbit. The point closest to Earth is called perigee, while the point farthest from Earth is called apogee.
When the full moon phase happens to occur at the same time as perigee, it results in a supermoon. During this alignment, the Moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. The increased apparent size is due to the Moon's proximity to Earth, while the enhanced brightness is caused by the Moon's surface being more fully illuminated by sunlight.
Supermoons are not exceptionally rare events. They occur multiple times each year, and on average, there are three to four supermoons per year. However, it's worth noting that not all supermoons appear significantly larger or brighter than a regular full moon. The difference in appearance can vary depending on factors such as atmospheric conditions and viewing location.
Despite the increased size and brightness, supermoons have no significant impact on Earth's tides, earthquakes, or other natural phenomena. They are primarily of astronomical interest and provide an opportunity for skywatchers to observe a visually striking celestial event.
