The Mid North Coast witnessed a celestial spectacle on Tuesday night as the year's brightest and largest supermoon illuminated the skies. Dennis Hughes, an amateur astronomer at the Port Macquarie Observatory, shed light on the phenomenon. The moon's proximity to Earth, approximately 30,000 kilometers closer than usual, at around 1 am on Wednesday, November 5, contributed to its impressive appearance. This close encounter, one of three in 2025, brought the moon to a distance of 356,980 kilometers from Earth, making it the closest of the year. However, Mr. Hughes clarified that the supermoon's apparent size is more about perspective than actual distance. The moon's proximity to the sun during this phase creates an optical illusion, making it appear 15% larger and 30% brighter. The observatory team had to use filters on their telescopes due to the moon's intense brightness, which also affected the tides, causing them to be slightly higher than normal. For those in Port Macquarie, the supermoon offered a unique experience, as Mr. Hughes noted, 'It is great to watch the flight of the flying foxes across the full moon as well.' This natural phenomenon continues to captivate skywatchers and astronomers alike, leaving a lasting impression of the wonders of the universe.
