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On June 23, 2013, the moon approached the earth at its closest distance all year, 221,824 miles (356,991 kilometers). As a result, it appeared to be 8% to 14% larger and 17% to 20% brighter than normal.
People all over the world stopped what they were doing for a glimpse at this “super-sized” moon. Many took snapshots of the big orb and the result is some of the most impressive moon photos taken from the planet earth in 2013.
What Causes the Super Moon?
Below is space.com’s infographic explanation of what a super moon actually is and why it appears so large and so bright in the night sky. (1)
Basically it all boils down to the fact the moon’s orbit is more elliptical than it is circular. This elliptical orbit results in the moon orbiting closer to the earth during certain times of the year.
Unfortunately, in the future, super moons may not exist because the earth and the moon are slowly drifting apart.
Nevertheless, that is a long way from now and we can Read more…