Supermoon to brighten May 6th summer night

If the weather cooperates, the night of May 6th will be markedly brighter as the moon comes to its nearest point to Earth. Lunar illumination is expected to be unusually higher, manifesting the event dubbed as the "supermoon."

The "supermoon" marks the time when the moon reaches the perigee or the point of the lunar orbit where the moon comes closest (at 221,802 miles) to Earth. This event makes the moon look 14% bigger and approximately 30% brighter compared to when the moon is in the apogee, the point in the moon's orbit with the greatest distance from Earth.

For those anticipating the event, the differences in size and brightness could be more perceivable when viewing the moon while it is still near the horizon. Also, the magnificent pumpkin-like color only shows while the moon is still "on the rise."

No scientific evidences support claims of unusual things happening during a "supermoon." Aside from a few inches of higher high tides, the supermoon offers a majestic and safe sight. The enhanced brightness of the supermoon, however, may not be so much of a good news for those eager to view the meteor shower from Halley's Comet.