Another Supermoon This Weekend: Peak Viewing Times & Info

The supermoon is back, and this time it's going to be even more super than usual. 

On Sunday, Aug. 10, the moon will be full at 2:10 p.m. ET and those in the Northern Hemisphere should have a good view of the spectacular site. The reason this supermoon will be bigger than any other this year (2014 will have three supermoons) is because August's full moon period will more closely coincide with the moon's closest point of orbit.

According to Universe Today, a supermoon is when a full moon occurs within 24 hours of the moon's perigree--or, the closest point of its orbit around the Earth. Currently, we are in the middle of three consecutive supermoons occurring in July, August and September this year. 

September 8th will be the third and final supermoon this year. 

VIEWING INFO

For the best local viewing times in your area, check out this listing by the U.S. Naval Observatory.

Sunday's fullmoon will occur at 2:10 PM ET. Perigree (or the closest point of orbit) will occur at 1:44 PM ET, or only 26 minutes before the full moon occurs. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Sunday's supermoon should appear larger than the other two supermoons this year because on Sunday will see the full moon occur within the same hour that the moon is closest to Earth.

According to the Huffington Post, a supermoon can be as much as 14% nearer to Earth and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. The moon will also appear larger the closer it is to either horizon, so if you happen to be in an area during the supermoon where the moon is rising or setting near the horizon, you should be in for a real treat as the moon will probably appear larger there than anywhere else. 

Sunday's supermoon should also bring more extreme tidal cycles, but will also make any other astronomical observation difficult due to the extra light in the sky at night. 

FUTURE MOONS

The next and final supermoon of the year will occur next month on September 8th, and the next occurrence after that won't be until September 9th, 2014. 

So that's all the news for now. Check the listings and make sure you don't miss this cool astronomical event. But if you do happen to miss it, don't worry, you'll have another chance in September.

Check back with us in a month for more supermoon coverage!