Super Moon Rise Over the Peloncillo Mtns - 1

The Moon orbits Earth in an elliptical orbit so its distance from our planet varies during each revolution. The Moon is closest to Earth at perigee and most distant at apogee. The Full Moon of 2011 March 19 occurred within an hour of perigee. As a result it appeared some 14% larger and 30% brighter than a Full Moon near apogee. This image captures the near perigee Full Moon hugging the horizon and distorted by atmospheric refraction as it rises over the Peloncillo Mountains in southwestern New Mexico.

For another view, see Super Moon Rise Over the Peloncillo Mtns - 2.

A detailed list of all Super Moons occurring during the 21st Century can be found at Full Moon at Perigee.

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