The moon will seem a little bigger and a little brighter Saturday night due to a combination of factors leading to what is called a supermoon.
The full moon will occur just as the moon is at its closest approach during its orbit of the Earth, a phase known as perigee, NASA said.
As a result, the moon will appear as much as 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon, NASA said.
The effect will be most visible when the moon rises, about 7:45 p.m., as the moon typically looks much larger when it is low on the horizon, NASA said.
So-called supermoon is associated with urban legends that say the earth is prone to earthquakes, tidal waves and other natural disasters, but there is zero scientific evidence of such a correlation.
Tides associated with tonight’s full moon also will be a tad higher than during typical spring tides, with a high tide forecast for 7:41 p.m. in Atlantic City to be 5.74 feet, more than a foot above a typical high tide, according the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Contact Sarah Watson:
609-272-7216
