
The most recent Perigean Full Moon (Full Moon near Perigee or closest point to Earth) took place on Dec. 13, 2016. The media loves to call this a “Super Moon” but I prefer to call it the less sensational “Perigean Full Moon” or “Full Moon near perigee”. Whatever you call it, it’s a chance to take a moment and marvel at our beautiful natural satellite. I shot the photo below from my driveway in Portal, AZ as the Moon rose above the Peloncillo Mountains of New Mexico. I was hoping for a completely clear sky but the clouds actually added an appealing element to the scene. Copyright 2016 by Fred Espenak.