15 November,2016 07:45 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai citizens took to high-rise buildings, tourist landmarks and beaches on Monday night to catch a glimpse of the closest 'supermoon' to Earth in almost seven decades
Mumbai citizens took to high-rise buildings, tourist landmarks and beaches on Monday night to catch a glimpse of the closest 'supermoon' to Earth in almost seven decades.
The unusually big and bright moon happens when the Earth's satellite rock is full at the same time as, or very near, perigee -- its closest point to our planet on its monthly ellipsis-shaped orbit.
At a distance of 356,509 kilometres (221,524 miles), this is the closest it has been to Earth since 1948, creating what NASA described as 'an extra-supermoon'. The phenomenon was visible first in Asia, sending astronomy enthusiasts and photographers flocking to the best
viewing spots, hoping the chronic pollution that blights many of the region's cities would not spoil the fun.
Astronomers say it can be hard to notice that the moon appears brighter than usual. Once it is high in the sky, it can also be hard to tell it is larger.
