WASHINGTON, USA — August is starting off with abundant sunshine, warm temperatures and a supermoon.
Tuesday night, a supermoon brightened the sky across Washington, appearing noticeably bigger than usual.
The supermoon peaked at 11:32 a.m. Because of its close orbit to Earth (approximately 222,000 miles according to Timeanddate.com), the moon’s size appeared larger than if it were around the average closest approach, or perigee, of approximately 226,000 miles.
For those who miss Tuesday's supermoon, do not fret, because it was be the second of four supermoons through September and the first of two this month. The second supermoon this month will be on Aug. 30, which will also be considered a Blue Moon with it being the second full moon of the month.
According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon has its closest orbit and a full moon happens simultaneously. At this time the moon can appear up to 8% larger than a typical full moon.
The last time two full supermoons graced the sky in the same month was in 2018. It won’t happen again until 2037, according to Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project.
Download the KING 5 app to check the interactive radar near you, as well as the latest forecast, cameras and current conditions.