Supermoon 2014 in pictures: Moon appeared bigger and brighter at the weekend
Magnificent scenes were observed across the world
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.People across the world cast their eyes to the heavens to witness a spectacular scientific phenomenon on Saturday night, as a supermoon lit up the night’s sky.
Technically known as a perigee moon, the marvel occurs when a full moon or new moon coincides with the closest approach the moon makes to the Earth on its elliptical orbit.
The result is that the world’s closet neighbour appears larger and brighter than usual – with breath-taking results.
In the UK stargazers were able to catch the moon at 11:25 (GMT) on Saturday evening, when it was just 222,611 miles away.
Nasa said that last year’s supermoon in June appeared 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than usual, but the effect was merely an optical illusion.
Two other supermoons will appear later this summer on 10 August and 9 September.
The August date is the most exciting for astronomical buffs, as the moon will be 863 miles closer than it was over the weekend, appearing at its brightest for 2014.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments