A Supermoon can be seen in Virginia on Thursday, October 17, 2024

SupermoonPhoto byHunters Supermoon Screenshot

Virginians will be able to see a Supermoon on their way to work or school on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 7:26 a.m.

What is a Supermoon?

Wikipedia states:

"A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, also known as perigee, in its orbit. Supermoons are larger and brighter than regular full moons because the moon is closer to Earth, allowing more of the sun's rays to reflect off the moon's surface."

SupermoonPhoto byPublic Domain/Wikipedia Screenshot

It is called a Supermoon because it will be 14% larger than usual and 30% brighter.

NASA says:

"A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest (perigee) to Earth at the same time it is full."

Occurrences of Supermoons in 2024

There are possibly 12 or 13 full or new moons every year. Not all new moons are classified as supermoons. In 2024, there are four Supermoons in consecutively months, according to NASA.

• August 19, 2024
• September 18, 2024
• October 17, 2024
• November 15, 2024