Supermoon over Saxony: A nightly sky spectacle inspires!

Supermoon over Saxony: A nightly sky spectacle inspires!

On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, November 5, 2025, Germany experienced a remarkable spectacle in the sky: the supermoon was visible and offered a magnificent sight. This full moon was the biggest of the year and attracted the attention of revelers. Not only is the supermoon larger than an average full moon, but it also shines brighter because it is located near the closest point to Earth, Perigee. At 11:27 p.m., the Moon's distance from Earth was just 356,833 kilometers, which puts it almost 30,000 kilometers closer than average.

The fascination with the moon is not new. Many people always look forward to the special moments that it offers us. How Sächsische.de reported that the conditions in Saxony were ideal for a clear view of the celestial phenomenon. Despite the fact that the difference in size between a supermoon and an ordinary full moon is often difficult to see, the striking shine and size have been a source of joy for many amateur astronomers and photographers.

What constitutes a supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the full moon or new moon occurs near its closest point to Earth, i.e. perigee. The term “supermoon” was first coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle. A full moon is called a supermoon if it is less than 360,000 kilometers from Earth. For comparison: a micromoon, which is the furthest away from Earth, is over 405,000 kilometers away. These factors explain why the supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and up to 30% brighter than its micromoon-like colleague, which is perceived as less impressive at its maximum distance from Earth.

A supermoon can also have a noticeable effect on the tides. The so-called “perigean spring tides”, triggered by the proximity of the moon, can produce larger tidal differences that are up to 5 centimeters higher than normal tides. In fact, there is even evidence that supermoons provide an incentive for many to take photos and enjoy the night, while the tides simultaneously leave fluctuating water levels on our coasts.

A look at future supermoons

Anyone who missed the supermoon on November 5th need not despair. The next super new moon is already scheduled for May 16, 2026. In addition, sky watchers can expect another celestial event in December 2025, but it will be 130 kilometers further away than the November full moon. Every time the full moon or new moon coincides with the perigee, we can look forward to an impressive display in the night sky, although opportunities to observe a supermoon are relatively rare.

Overall, it shows that the moon, our faithful companion in the sky, with its phenomena such as the supermoon, enriches not only astronomy, but also the everyday lives of many people. Numerous weather conditions and geographical features could also play a role in making it easier to see and photograph the moon. The sight on November 5th will certainly be remembered for a long time and will rekindle interest in the wonders of the universe, such as Tagesschau.de summarized informatively.

For all sky watchers and moon lovers: keep your eyes open - the next fascinating full moon is always just around the corner!