An aeroplane flies past the London Eye wheel, and moon, a day before the "supermoon" spectacle in London.The brightest moon in almost 69 years will be lighting up the sky this week in a treat for star watchers around the globe. The phenomenon known as the supermoon is set to reach its highest point in Asia tonight.
The moon will be at its brightest this week because it is coming closer to the Earth along its elliptical orbit than at any time since January 1948. The supermoon will bring stronger than usual high tides, followed by low tides the next morning. Viewers can expect to see a moon about 14 per cent larger in diameter and about 30 per cent brighter than when it’s at its furthest from the Earth.
US space agency Nasa says its closest approach is due to occur at 7.21pm (Hong Kong time) today when the moon comes within 356,508 kilometres. That’s from the centre of the Earth to the centre of the moon. Full moon is scheduled for 9.52pm (HKT).
In 2034, the moon will come even closer, within 356,445km. That, too, will be a supermoon.
If you take pictures of the supermoon tonight, make sure you tag us with @youngpost (on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) so we can see your amazing shot! We'll repost our favourite ones!