The night of November 2, 2025, will feature the closest supermoon of the year, making the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. This astronomical event occurs when the full moon is positioned near the Earth in its elliptical orbit.
During a supermoon, the moon can seem as much as 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to the least illuminated moon of the year, according to NASA. For this November supermoon, the moon will reach a distance of just under 222,000 miles (357,000 kilometers) from Earth, marking it as the second of three supermoons observed in 2025.
According to astronomer Lawrence Wasserman from the Lowell Observatory, there may be a slight increase in tide levels during a supermoon due to the moon”s proximity to Earth, although the impact is generally not significant. Observers do not need any special equipment to view the supermoon, provided that the weather permits clear skies.
However, distinguishing the change in the moon”s size with the naked eye can be challenging. Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, noted in an email that “the difference is most obvious as a comparison between other images or observations.”
Supermoons occur multiple times throughout the year, with the previous one taking place in October and another anticipated in December, which will close out the series for 2025.
This event presents a perfect opportunity for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of the moon as it reaches its closest point to Earth this year.
