Snow Moon brightest of them all: Biggest supermoon of 2019 to show face on February 19

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Snow Moon will be the biggest and the brightest supermoon of the year
  • The Moon will technically reach its peak on Tuesday at 9.24 pm
  • It will appear 14 per cent  larger in diameter and 30 per cent brighter than the regular full Moon
Great news for the astronomers and night sky-watchers! The year's biggest and the brightest supermoon also being called the Snow Moon will show its face on February 19 which is today, according to Nasa.
The term snow moon is the historic name given to the second full moon of winter by certain Native American tribes in the US, according to NASA.
It is called the Snow Moon due to the typical snowfall during this time of the year. Heavy snowfall is also the reason for its alternative and more grim name, the hunger moon due to lack of food in the winter.
It will appear 14 per cent larger in diameter and 30 per cent brighter than the regular full Moon.
The Moon will look extremely large when it rises and sets.
This Moon illusion happens when the Moon is close to the horizon and there are objects within our line of sight such as trees or buildings, NASA astronomer Mitzi Adams explained.
Adams added that you can check the illusion by holding a coin at arm's length so it covers the moon. Do this at moonrise when the moon appears huge on the horizon and later when it looks smaller high in the sky and you'll see that the same size coin covers the moon the whole night.
The astronomer said the event will be an unforgettable experience, available for all to enjoy.
When can you see the super Snow Moon?
If the clouds permit, India should get a good view of the event. The full moon rises at 6 pm in Delhi, 6.30pm in Mumbai,and 5.20 pm in Kolkata
The Moon will technically reach its peak on Tuesday at 9.24 pm.
The Moon will be full only six hours after it reaches the perigee distance of its orbit, making it the brightest and largest full Moon of the year.
So, if you are hoping to capture a good supermoon photo, catching the moonrise is your best bet.
How can you see the Super Snow Moon?
Astronomer Gianluca Masi, head of the Italy-based Virtual Telescope Project, has confirmed the Virtual Telescope will stream the Supermoon online on Tuesday.
You can watch the Super Snow Moon live stream HERE.
In January, we were treated to the Super Blood Wolf Moon, and while this isn't quite as exciting, the supermoon should be a beautiful spectacle. And if you miss this one, there will be another supermoon in March.

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