The phenomenon occurs next Wednesday (5), coinciding with the full Moon phase and the point of greatest proximity of the natural satellite to Earth, called perigee. The best viewing of the event will occur just after dark, when the Moon will appear over the horizon with a noticeably increased brightness and size. Observers do not need special equipment, as the star will be brighter and up to 14% larger than at its furthest point, its apogee.
The National Observatory confirmed the event, which is the penultimate supermoon predicted for this year’s astronomical calendar.
Perigee phenomenon increases lunar brightness by 30%
The term “supermoon”, popularized in 1979 by an astrologer, describes the occurrence of the full Moon close to perigee, when the distance from Earth is less than approximately 360,000 km. Although it is not a fundamental technical term for Astronomy, it has become established to describe the satellite’s impressive visualization.
This week, the full Moon will present an increase in brightness that can reach 30% compared to a full moon that was at its peak, also known as a micromoon. This proximity accentuates gravitational attraction, generating variations in ocean tides, although it does not represent a risk.
Official astronomical calendar and the sequel to 2025
According to the National Observatory, the year 2025 will feature a total of three supermoons, with the November event being the second in the sequence.
The first took place on October 6th, and the last one is scheduled for December 4th, completing a quarter with consecutive events, which is relatively unusual.
The detailed astronomical calendar for the month of November highlights events other than the Supermoon, such as:
- Leonid meteor shower, with maximum activity in the early hours of November 17
- Conjunctions between the Moon and other planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn
- Other less visible phenomena, such as Uranus in opposition to the Sun
Times and cities for better observation
The exact moment of the full Moon varies depending on the time zone, but the peak of the phenomenon is usually visible for around three nights, between November 5th and 7th. Moonrise, right after sunset, is considered the most favorable period for observation, as the star will be lower on the horizon.
The lunar illusion, an optical effect that makes the Moon appear even larger when viewed close to terrestrial elements, reinforces the visual spectacle at this time.
In some Brazilian capitals, the Moon should rise approximately at the following times in Brasília on Wednesday (5):
- São Paulo: 6:45 pm
- Recife: 5:28 pm
- Bethlehem: 6:14 pm
- Belo Horizonte: 6:27 pm
For those interested in recording the moment, binoculars or home telescopes can reveal small details of the lunar surface. However, the phenomenon is fully visible to the naked eye.
Understanding the difference between supermoon and micromoon
The perigee point, which gives rise to the supermoon, is the opposite of the apogee. The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse, resulting in varying distances throughout its cycle.
When the Moon reaches its apogee, its furthest point from Earth, it is popularly called a micromoon. The difference between the supermoon and the micromoon is what makes the perigee notable, with the natural satellite appearing up to 14% larger and 30% more luminous. Technically, the Moon’s “full” phase is an instant, but the increased brightness is noticeable throughout most of the night.
