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Get ready for the ‘super duper’ moon Sunday night

Posted at 1:55 PM, Nov 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-13 10:05:20-05

WEST MICHIGAN — We’ve all seen full moons each month in Michigan, but this month’s full November Beaver moon will certainly be a sight to see. Why? Because it will be closer than normal to the Earth and appear bigger and brighter in the sky Sunday night.

There’s no scientific meaning to the words super duper, it simply emphasizes the super moon that will be taking place. What’s a super moon? When a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, it is called a super moon. Because it’s so close to Earth, a super moon looks anywhere from 7% to 14% bigger than an average full moon. A super moon also looks about 30% brighter.

The super moon on Sunday night will be the closest a full moon has been to Earth since January 26, 1948. The next time a full moon is even closer to Earth will be on November 25, 2034. Bottom line is this: If you are younger than 68, then you have never seen the full moon bigger than it will appear Sunday night. Moon photo courtesy of Jimmy Westlake. You can click here for more moon information and the science behind what we see.

Make sure to catch this super duper moon Sunday night November 13 as it rises off the eastern horizon. We are expecting clear skies for this event. Enjoy…and don’t forget to post your photos on our FOX 17 Facebook page. Get the West Michigan forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.