Watch for the return of the 'supermoon' on Saturday
A perigee moon rises next to the National Monument in Washington, D.C. (JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) Credit: A perigee moon rises next to the National Monument in Washington, D.C.(JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)
This weekend the biggest full moon of the year-the so-called "supermoon"-will make an appearance in the night sky.
The supermoon is set to rise on Saturday at 11:35 p.m. EDT. It will be at least 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons this year, according to NASA.
Full moons vary in size due to the elliptical shape of the earth's orbit.
Supermoons occur when the moon becomes full at the same time that it comes closest to earth - a phenomenon known scientifically as a "perigee moon" that happens about once a year.
While the supermoon is unlikely to cause a spike in crime or turn men into werewolves, it could cause higher-than-usual tides and possible flooding.
This year's supermoon may also interfere with another galactic phenomenon - an annual meteor shower caused by leftovers from Halley's comet. The moon's super bright light may wash out the less brilliant Eta Aquarid meteors during their peak, a NASA meter expert told SPACE.com.
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