Supermoon: How, when and where to see the biggest, brightest moon of the 21st century

Supermoon: The moon will be the brightest it has been for 68 years later this month
Tom Lancaster
Fiona Simpson14 November 2016

The biggest supermoon in more than 60 years is set to light up the sky over the capital later this month.

It will appear brighter than usual on November 14 and bigger than it has for the last 68 years, scientists say.

The phenomenon occurs when the moon becomes full at the same time its orbit is closest to the Earth, known as perigee.

This month's supermoon will be the penultimate of the year and the most impressive of the 21st century so far.

NASA claim the moon will not look as large again until the year 2034.

Supermoon: A supermoon pictures in October 
Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Supermoons generally appear to be 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than other full moons.

Supermoon September

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According to NASA, this month's supermoon "becomes full within about two hours of perigee, arguably making it an extra-super moon."

The moon will become full at 1.52pm GMT on November 14 meaning Londoners have the best chance of spotting the supermoon later that night.

If clear skies grace the capital the moon may be visible throughout the day.

The best place to view the moon will be from a raised, dark area, such as Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath.

A second supermoon is set to rise a month later on December 14.

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