What Is A Supermoon And Does It Affect Us?

On Monday night, people around the world witness a supermoon, a celestial phenomenon that has historically been tied to natural disasters and human lunacy.

The heightened appearance of a supermoon is due to its orbit and cycle. On its orbit, it is at its closest proximity to the earth. On its cycle, it is fully lit by the sun, meaning it is a full moon.

This coincidence occurs several times a year, albeit with varied impact. December 6 2052 will show the biggest and brightest supermoon of the century.

Supermoons exert an increased gravitational pull on the earth, affecting tides by up to 15cm. The gravitational impact on humans is immeasurable, but many people claim to feel strangely affected. Real or imagined, this is called the lunar effect.

Watch our explainer video above for the science behind the supermoon - its causes and effects.