Supermoon is a full moon that appears larger than a typical moon because it is closest to planet Earth. On July 13, 2022, the lunar body will come closest to Earth with a distance of just 3,57,264 kms apart. This will be the smallest gap in 2022 between Earth and its only natural satellite.

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While the moon may appear for a couple of days but its completeness will be momentary in reality. The full moon will occur when it is at its perigee at 9:00 am GMT (2:30 pm IST) on the morning of July 13, 2022. The best time to see the supermoon is before sunrise on Wednesday or after sunset.

The moon will be 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than the moon at its apogee—farthest from Earth in its orbit. This can cause tidal effects on the planet leading to high and low ocean tides. The tidal phenomenon that at times sends waves crashing on beaches is known as the supermoon effect.  

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The size of the supermoon will artificially be magnified when the moon is closer to the horizon at the time of rising or setting. This is due to the phenomenon called the Moon Illusion. Nasa scientists stated that one explanation for the moon appearing bigger is that we compare its size to objects within our line of sight. “Perhaps trees, mountains, and buildings help to trick your brain into thinking the moon is both closer and bigger than it is?” 

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The term supermoon was first used by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. It refers to a new or full moon that appears when it is within 90 per cent of its perigee, closest to the Earth.