Suche
Mein Konto
The supermoon is just around the corner: it has never been so close!
Find out everything about the supermoon on November 5th, 2025, its causes, meaning and the astronomical phenomenon in Suhl.
The supermoon is just around the corner: it has never been so close!
On November 5, 2025, sky watchers in Cologne can look forward to a very special spectacle: a super moon, also known as a super full moon, will grace the night sky. This fascinating astronomical phenomenon occurs when the Moon is near its perigee, the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth. The distance between the centers of the Earth and the Moon is less than 360,000 kilometers - that is around 7 percent less than the average distance of around 384,000 kilometers MDR reported.
But what exactly makes the supermoon so special? During its phase, both the full moon and new moon appear at a larger, more noticeable size. It is essentially a type of “Perigee Syzygy,” a term that describes the constellation of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. But be careful: The term "supermoon" does not have a precise astronomical definition, meaning that each astronomer may have their own interpretation of how close to perigee the moon must be to be considered a supermoon. Interestingly, the term originally came from astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, who also believed that a nearby moon could trigger earthquakes. But this has not been confirmed by NASA; the impacts are too small to cause a significant geophysical change such as that Wikipedia added.
Looking into the past and future
It's exciting to know that supermoons are not just purely astronomical phenomena; they also bring interesting local effects. Although scientific studies have found little to no evidence on the effects of supermoons on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, some local effects have been noted, such as increased beach erosion, which is due to increased tidal force as perigee is reached. During a supermoon, full moons appear about 14 percent larger and up to 30 percent brighter than a micromoon, which occurs when the moon is furthest from Earth.
The fascination remains
Interest in supermoons remains undiminished in the astronomical community. There are a total of 28 supermoons that have been observed in the 21st century. From this multitude of experiences, the next supermoon on November 5, 2025 can be highlighted as particularly significant because it could coincide with numerous other astronomical events. The last spectacular event of this kind was the so-called “Super Blood Moon” in May 2022, a rare combination of supermoon and total lunar eclipse that results in a reddish appearance of the moon. Such moments are rare and attract the interest of astronomy lovers worldwide.
Taking advantage of these rare opportunities not only offers the benefit of breathtaking visuals, but also the opportunity to learn more about our natural surroundings. So grab your binoculars or camera and enjoy the heavenly spectacle that the sky in Cologne gives us!