ALL HAIL SUPERMOON
BEHOLD THE SECOND COMING OF SUPERMOON. BOW TO ITS EMINENCE, FOR WE HAVE NEVER SEEN THE MOON THIS BIG.
Except for last month, of course, but the media is acting like this is the first time this has ever happened.
A supermoon is the unofficial, buzz-worthy news name for when the full moon occurs during perigee, or when the moon makes its closest approach to the earth. During a supermoon, the celestial body appears slightly larger and a little bit brighter than normal. The naked eye can't detect the embiggenment, but the enhanced brightness is noticeable.
Полнолуние Закат Луны на #МКС ещё см. блог (Supermoon Moonset #ISS more in blog) #BlueDot http://t.co/Wg9098bHIF pic.twitter.com/PIk5zZRRJR
— Oleg Artemyev (@OlegMKS) August 10, 2014
Supermoons occur frequently, but this year is "special" (read: extra internet viral) because 2014 features three supermoons in a row. We had one last month, one tonight, and another one will occur on September 9.
If you don't know how to go outside and crane your neck, Vox has a wonderful article on how to look up at the moon because society has regressed to the point where someone needs to write an explainer on how to look up at the moon. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and watch everyone lose their minds because WOW IT'S A SUPERMOON.
Previously: HOLY CRAP LOOK AT THIS SUPERMOON
[Top image via AP]