Lunar watchers treated to the sight of 2023's last supermoon
The lunar spectacle was visible Thursday night and early Friday morning.
The fourth and final supermoon of 2023 rose in the night sky Thursday until the early hours of Friday morning.
It was visible around the world, from Sydney, Australia, to Tehatta, India, and the Abruzzo region of Italy.
Read on to find out more about the lunar event.
What is the super full Harvest Moon?
The supermoon is a full moon that makes its closest orbital approach to Earth, according to NASA. NASA astronomers also refer to a supermoon as a perigean full moon, a reference to the moon's perigee, or the closest point to Earth in the moon's orbital ellipse.
According to NASA, the supermoon this week was approximately 224,854 miles from Earth and appeared about 5% bigger and 13% brighter than the average full moon in 2023.
When did the supermoon rise and how long did it last?
The supermoon was visible from Thursday night and into Friday.
How could people watch the supermoon?
The supermoon was visible to the naked eye but lunar watchers could have also used binoculars or telescopes to get a closer look. Generally, NASA recommends using a pair of binoculars with a minimum magnification of seven and a tripod with the binoculars at a magnification of 10 or 15.
Why is it called the Harvest Moon?
This week's supermoon was also referred to as a Corn Moon or Harvest Moon, indicating it was near the autumnal equinox, which fell on Sept. 23 this year.
When is the next supermoon?
If you missed this week's supermoon, you'll have to wait until September 2024 to catch the next one.
What zodiac sign is the Harvest Moon in September?
According to celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, this September's Harvest Moon is "a full moon in the zodiac sign of Aries."
"On an energetic level, the energy of this Cardinal Fire sign will be infused within our lives," Thomas told "Good Morning America." "We will feel fired up to seize the day, carve out our own paths, and follow the desires of our egos. We will not be focused on the ideas or plans of others -- we will prioritize our own needs at the expense of others."
He added that this time is "a great period to launch actions, endeavors and plans, as well as be courageous, dominant and adventurous."
"This is a profound moment to stand in your power and show the world who you are and what you deserve," he said.
Thursday's lunar event also coincides with the start of Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated around the world and is one of the largest holidays in China, and Chuseok, the Korean fall harvest festival.
Related Topics
Related Stories
ABC News Live