The Last Supermoon of the Year Will Peak Alongside the Leonid Meteor Shower

When and Where to See the Supermoon and Meteor Shower

The last supermoon of the year will peak on the night of November 27-28, 2023. This supermoon is also known as the Beaver Moon because it occurs during the time of year when beavers are preparing for winter. The moon will be at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. The Leonid meteor shower is also expected to peak on the night of November 17-18, 2023. The Leonids are known for their bright and fast-moving meteors. Observers can expect to see up to 15 meteors per hour during the peak of the shower. The best time to view the supermoon and meteor shower is after midnight. Find a location with dark skies and clear weather for optimal viewing.

What is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. Supermoons can also appear to have a slightly reddish or orange hue. This is because the moon's light has to travel through more of Earth's atmosphere to reach our eyes. The atmosphere scatters blue light more than red light, so the moon can appear to be red or orange.

What is a Meteor Shower?

A meteor shower occurs when Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by a comet. As the debris enters Earth's atmosphere, it burns up and creates a streak of light in the sky. Meteor showers are named after the constellation from which they appear to originate. The Leonids are named after the constellation Leo.

How to Photograph the Supermoon and Meteor Shower

To photograph the supermoon, use a wide-angle lens and a tripod. Set your camera to manual mode and experiment with different shutter speeds and apertures to get the desired exposure. To photograph the meteor shower, use a wide-angle lens and a fast shutter speed. Set your camera to manual mode and experiment with different shutter speeds and apertures to get the desired exposure. You may also want to use a star tracker to help keep your camera steady.