Skywatchers prepare for ‘supermoon’

Skywatchers are preparing for the latest "supermoon" as Earth's satellite makes its closest approach since 1948.

To observers, it will appear about 7% larger than normal and about 15% brighter - although the human eye is barely able to discern that difference.

It won't be this close again until 25 November 2034.

As the Moon traces its orbit around the Earth, we see different proportions illuminated by the Sun. Once in each orbit, our satellite is totally illuminated - a full moon.

And as the Moon orbits the Earth every 27 days or so, it travels in an elliptical or oval shape.

This means that its distance from our planet is not constant but varies across a full orbit.