The full moon is often associated with the rising of tides, howling of werewolves and other mythological lore. Even the term lunatic comes from lunar.
Those who fear the inlfuence of the moon may want to lock their doors or not venture too far outside Saturday night because the Moon will appear to be 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than other full moons of 2012, according to NASA.
Commonly called the “super moon,” the phenomenon is known to scientists as the “perigee moon.” The term comes from the elliptical path the moon follows around the Earth and reaches perigee, which is the point closest to the Earth’s center during the orbit. The moon will be about 31,000 miles closer to Earth's orbit than the furthest point of its elliptical orbit, according to NASA.
From causes not fully understood by scientists, low hanging moons look much larger when viewed through trees and other foreground objects. Come Saturday, this optical illusion will be amplified with a moon that is closer to the Earth to begin with. According to NASA, the moon’s rising orb will seem of super proportions.
Where to Watch?
To catch a glimpse of the so called “super moon” grab some silver, garlic and your favorite wooden crucifix and try to reach a good vantage point.
One destination to catch a stunning vista is the parking lot next to the golf course at . This top spot at 5500 Godbey Drive affords equally as magestic sunset views. There are also a couple of turnouts off winding Saint Katherine Drive where you can be wowed with wonderment.
