This image approximates the look of the super moon. Image created by NASA Goddard’s Scientific Visualization Studio

Prince George, B.C.-  After sunset,  the Moon  will  seem  larger,  and  brighter,  as it reaches the closest point  in its orbit (perigee) of Earth.

Because this  position in orbit  coincides with a full moon,  it’s called a Supermoon,  and  this evening  it will be  about 30 miles closer to Earth than it has been  since 1948.

Prince George area residents may not get to see much of this spectacle  this evening  as  the forecast is calling for  an overcast sky,  however,   the  forecast looks more promising for tomorrow   and NASA  indicates the difference  will be too slight to notice.  So if you don’t get to see it  this evening,   tomorrow should be just as good.

When  a Super Moon occurs it appears 14% larger than a normal  full moon  and  appears 30% brighter.

Looking towards the horizon as the moon rises can create some spectacular  images,  as   an optical illusion  makes the moon  appear  absolutely  huge .

If  conditions don’t allow for a good viewing of this event,   there will be another Super Moon on December 14th although it  won’t be as spectacular as  what is expected for  tonight  and tomorrow.

The next time the moon will be this close to Earth and in a full moon phase will be in 2034.