Oct 8. 2026
Supermoons 2026–2027
A supermoon is a full moon that happens when the Moon is at or near the point of its orbit closest to the Earth, the perigee. The Moon's orbit is not a perfect circle: its distance from us changes between roughly 356,000 and 407,000 kilometres. When a full moon falls close to the perigee, the Moon looks up to 14% larger and about 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point, the so-called micromoon.
Upcoming supermoons
The dates below are calculated from the actual orbit of the Moon. We count as a supermoon every full moon closer than about 362,000 km to the Earth; the closest full moon of the series is in bold.
- November 24 2026 · 360 793 km
- December 24 2026 · 356 765 km
- January 22 2027 · 357 658 km
- January 12 2028 · 360 281 km
How to watch a supermoon
The best moment is just after moonrise, when the full moon hangs low above the horizon. Next to trees, buildings or mountains it looks especially big – partly thanks to the "Moon illusion", a trick of our brain. You do not need a telescope: a clear view of the horizon and a camera or phone with zoom are enough for beautiful photos.
Supermoons and nature
When the Moon is closest, its gravity pulls a little more strongly on the Earth, so the tides around a supermoon, known as perigean spring tides, are slightly higher than usual. The difference is a matter of centimetres, not metres, but on some coasts it can be noticeable, especially together with storms.
The supermoon in astrology
Astrologers see every full moon as a moment of culmination, when emotions surface and things come to a head. A supermoon is said to amplify all of this: feelings are stronger, sleep can be lighter and it is harder to keep things hidden. It is a good time to finish what you have been working on, let go of what no longer serves you and celebrate what you have achieved. Avoid big emotional decisions in the heat of the moment – wait a day or two until the Moon's pull eases.
Frequently asked questions
How often is there a supermoon? Usually three or four times a year, in a row of consecutive full moons.
Is a supermoon the same as a blood moon? No. A blood moon is a total lunar eclipse; a supermoon is simply a close full moon. Sometimes both happen at the same time.
Can I see the difference with the naked eye? The size is hard to judge without a comparison, but the extra brightness is easy to notice on a clear night.