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Supermoon 2016: Biggest And Brightest Moon Until 2034 – How, When, And Where To See It Best

By Danny Cox
Published on: 03:06 PST, Nov 13, 2016

For those that have a clear sky and good visibility, you will want to head outside into the early morning hours of Monday and try your best to get a view of the Supermoon of 2016. It may not be too difficult because it is going to be the biggest and brightest Supermoon since 1948, but you don’t want to miss out. There is not going to be another Supermoon as big or as bright for quite a while – 2034.

It’s going to be a true sight to behold and one that you won’t want to miss out on because it doesn’t happen too often. Even NASA is excited about it and encouraging people to check out the Supermoon if they get the chance.

The thing everyone wants to know, though, is…will they get the chance?

According to the NASA, the moon will reach its closest orbital approach to earth early on the morning of Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at 6:22 a.m. ET. Around 8:52 a.m. ET, the moon is going to become full and will appear to be at its largest.

For those wanting to get the first sight of the Supermoon, look to the skies around 5 p.m. ET on Sunday evening. That is when it should first become visible in the sky and will appear to get brighter and closer as the night goes on. It will also be visible on Monday night.

Noah Petro is the deputy project scientist for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter at NASA and he said that there will not be much difference from one night to the next.

“The difference in distance from one night to the next will be very subtle, so if it’s cloudy on Sunday, go out on Monday. Any time after sunset should be fine. Since the moon is full, it’ll rise at nearly the same time as sunset, so I’d suggest that you head outside after sunset, or once it’s dark and the moon is a bit higher in the sky.”

While there will be opportunities to see the Supermoon of 2016 in different locations, viewers should do whatever they can to get the best look at it. There are some ways to make sure that your view is clear and you have the best possible shot of it.

  • Have an unobstructed view without nearby buildings and trees.
  • Try to find a place that has a clear sky with very few clouds.
  • Locate a place that has very little pollution and that has little artificial light.
  • Get as high up as you possibly, and safely, can.

Science Alert reports that the record-breaking Supermoon may best be viewed by going somewhere other than your home. If your home location doesn’t meet some of the criteria listed above, consider driving somewhere else that will give you a better look.

If the place you’re going is a good distance away, though, be sure to check ahead of time before driving all the way out there.

Going to different locations could give you a good view and also give photographers some of the best chance at great photos. Here are some of the best places to watch the Supermoon and get the most breathtaking views:

  • An east-facing beach
  • Somewhere with views of a city
  • Close to iconic structure
  • Over the mountains
  • A dark location

This particular Supermoon of 2016 is one that will be a sight to behold and everyone should take the chance to see it if they can. No, it may not be possible for everyone and that is rather disappointing but the effects of Mother Nature can’t always be helped. If you know the when, where, and how to see the Supermoon and it is possible for your area, be sure to take the opportunity to experience this wonder.

[Featured Imaged by Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty Images]

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