South Africans have one last chance this year to catch a supermoon when the December full moon, known as the Cold Moon, reaches peak brightness on 4 December after sunset, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The South African states that the moon will be the brightest object in the night sky and will remain highly visible across a broad window from 2 to 6 December, weather permitting.
NASA astronomers call a full moon a supermoon when it occurs near its closest orbital point to Earth, or perigee. At that distance the lunar disc can look about 14 per cent larger and as much as 30 per cent brighter than a full moon at its farthest point.
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You do not need a telescope to enjoy the show. Step outside after sunset, find an open horizon and bring binoculars to pick out surface detail. Share the moment with friends or carve out quiet time alone to gaze at the sky.
Plan ahead for clear skies and low light pollution; if clouds arrive, the moon will still appear mostly full across the suggested dates.
Share your pictures of the lunar displays with us by
- tagging us on Instagram (@capetownetc)
- sending your photos to our Facebook page (@CapeTownEtc)
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