Look Up! Hunter's Supermoon To Brighten Sky Saturday Night

DETROIT (WWJ) -  Look up into the night sky this weekend and the moon might seem a bit brighter and a bit larger than normal.

Overnight Saturday, October 15, sky watchers can catch two lunar events colliding to create a brilliant October full moon. But this isn't any ordinary full moon -- it's a Hunter's Supermoon! Barring any cloud-cover, the majestic sight should be visible to many in the Detroit area.

Astronomers say the moon will be at it's closest point to our planet as it orbits Earth, also known as a Supermoon, making it appear to be 15 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than normal.

Not only will the moon be full and super bright, but it is also a Hunter's Moon, which rises earlier in the evening. The best time to catch a glimpse will be around sunset, when the moon first appears over the horizon.

Because of its earlier-than-usual rising and closer-than-normal distance to Earth, the Hunter's Supermoon could even appear to be a hue of orange or red.

October's Supermoon is the first of three majestic moon events before the year ends.

On November 14, we'll be treated to an extra-super moon. Astronomers say the moon will appear larger than ever, because it will be the closest to earth to date in the 21st century. The full moon won't come this close to Earth again until November 25, 2034.

The supermoon of December 14 is remarkable for a different reason: astronomers say the moonlight will be so bright, it will wipe out views of the Geminid meteor shower.

Here are a few tips for viewing these natural nighttime shows:

• Show up to your stargazing destination while it's still light out to allow your eyes to adjust slowly as the light disappears.

• Don't use artificial light sources such as flashlights and cell phone displays. If you need to use light, try placing red tape over a flashlight, since red light is less damaging to night vision ability.

• Bring chairs, blankets, water and snacks to make your night comfortable. You may be there for a couple hours, so don't let hunger or discomfort ruin this spectacular evening.