Prepare for Tonight's Closest Supermoon of 2025
Get ready for a spectacular sight in the night sky this evening. The moon will reach its full phase at 2:19 p.m., bringing us the closest google earth of the year. This event, known as a perigee syzygy, will see the moon swing within 356,400 kilometers of Earth.
The term 'supermoon' was coined in 1979 by U.S. astrologer Richard Nolle. It refers to a full moon or new moon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. This proximity makes the moon appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than when it's at its farthest point, or apogee.
New research from the University of Würzburg suggests that the moon's influence extends beyond its visual impact. A 2021 study in Science Advances proposed that lunar phases may affect sleep patterns. Additionally, earlier studies hint at a possible 'lunar clock' that once partly synchronized the menstrual cycle with the full moon's phases. However, these findings are still debated among scientists.
Tonight's supermoon is a reminder of the moon's enduring fascination and influence. As we gaze upon its full phase, we can appreciate its beauty and the ongoing scientific exploration of its effects on our world. Mark your calendars for December 4, 2025, when the next supermoon will grace our skies.
