Why is the moon so big today? How to see October's supermoon

The moon has a remarkable way of showcasing different "faces," influenced by its phases and the perspectives from which we observe it. During its rising phase, the moon often appears larger and brighter due to various optical illusions, including the moon illusion, in which our brains misinterpret its size when framed by foreground objects.

Additionally, the moon can appear bigger and more luminous during a supermoon, when it is closest to Earth in its orbit. Other factors, such as atmospheric conditions and the angle of light, also play a role in enhancing the moon's brightness and visual impact.

Here’s everything you need to know about October's full moon and why the moon is so big today .

Why is the moon so big today?

The moon often appears larger when it’s rising or setting, a phenomenon known as the moon illusion. This optical illusion tricks our brains into perceiving the moon as much bigger when it's near the horizon compared to when it’s high in the sky, even though its actual size remains the same, according to NASA .

Another reason the October 2024 full moon is so bright is because it’s a supermoon, specifically the Super Hunter’s Moon .

Why does the moon look bigger sometimes?

Our perception of the moon's size varies due to several factors :

• Horizon effect : When the moon is close to the horizon, objects like trees, mountains or buildings provide a visual context that influences our perception, making the moon appear larger.
• Distance misjudgment : Our brains misinterpret the distance of the moon. We expect it to be farther away when it’s on the horizon, leading us to perceive it as larger.
• Visual cues : Similar to the Ponzo illusion, foreground objects can distort our perception of size and distance, contributing to the illusion of a larger moon.

What is the best time to view the supermoon?

The best time to view the moon is during its rising phase. When it rises, the moon takes on a vibrant yellow or orange hue as its light travels through more of the Earth’s atmosphere, scattering shorter wavelengths and emphasizing the longer, warmer tones.

The moon will rise at 6:01 p.m. Arizona time on Thursday, so look to the eastern horizon around that time to see the moon at its biggest.

(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why is the moon so big today? How to see October's supermoon