Wednesday Night Brings Rare Opportunity to Witness Largest Full Moon of the Year
A rare celestial event is set to captivate skywatchers on Wednesday night as the moon reaches its largest and brightest point of the year. The second of three supermoons in 2025, this particular full moon will be approximately 226,000 miles away from Earth, a significant 14% larger than the smallest moon of the year.
While some might expect heightened flooding risks due to tidal changes, meteorologists say there's only a low risk of flooding on Wednesday. According to Paul Fitzsimmons, lead meteorologist at NWS Mount Holly, the combination of tides and wind patterns this year are largely offshore, rendering any potential flood issues negligible.
However, it's worth noting that in 2024, a similar supermoon led to a flood advisory in the same region due to heavy rain and already high water levels. The difference this time around lies in the unique interplay of weather conditions, which seems to have mitigated the risk of flooding.
The National Weather Service predicts partly cloudy skies for the evening, but despite this, the moon's exceptional size and brightness will undoubtedly be visible to the naked eye. It rises at 4:42 p.m. on Wednesday and sets the following day at 8:06 a.m., providing a brief window for viewers to witness this rare occurrence.
While supermoons don't have a direct impact on temperatures, they can cause higher-than-normal tides – but only when coupled with other weather factors. As Fitzsimmons aptly put it, "it's very nuanced" and difficult to pinpoint the exact reason behind any observed effects.
This year's last supermoon is scheduled for December 4, marking a trilogy of extraordinary lunar events in what promises to be an astronomical year.
A rare celestial event is set to captivate skywatchers on Wednesday night as the moon reaches its largest and brightest point of the year. The second of three supermoons in 2025, this particular full moon will be approximately 226,000 miles away from Earth, a significant 14% larger than the smallest moon of the year.
While some might expect heightened flooding risks due to tidal changes, meteorologists say there's only a low risk of flooding on Wednesday. According to Paul Fitzsimmons, lead meteorologist at NWS Mount Holly, the combination of tides and wind patterns this year are largely offshore, rendering any potential flood issues negligible.
However, it's worth noting that in 2024, a similar supermoon led to a flood advisory in the same region due to heavy rain and already high water levels. The difference this time around lies in the unique interplay of weather conditions, which seems to have mitigated the risk of flooding.
The National Weather Service predicts partly cloudy skies for the evening, but despite this, the moon's exceptional size and brightness will undoubtedly be visible to the naked eye. It rises at 4:42 p.m. on Wednesday and sets the following day at 8:06 a.m., providing a brief window for viewers to witness this rare occurrence.
While supermoons don't have a direct impact on temperatures, they can cause higher-than-normal tides – but only when coupled with other weather factors. As Fitzsimmons aptly put it, "it's very nuanced" and difficult to pinpoint the exact reason behind any observed effects.
This year's last supermoon is scheduled for December 4, marking a trilogy of extraordinary lunar events in what promises to be an astronomical year.
️ But at the same time, I'm also kinda expecting some chaos due to all the extra water and tides. I don't wanna get caught off guard with flooding or anything. The forecast says low risk of flooding but that's always a bit dodgy for me... 
Still, it'll be an epic view! And if history repeats itself, we should still be prepared just in case 
OMG, can u believe this?! A super rare full moon is gonna light up the night sky on Wednesday! 
It's like, we're lucky enough to see it in person, right? 
And who cares about any potential flooding risks, let's just enjoy this cosmic moment! 
Wednesday night is gonna be lit with that massive full moon 
itll be so cool to see it rise at 4:42 pm and set the next day @ 8:06 am lol what a perfect viewing window for us stargazers! 
also didnt expect any major flooding issues since the wind patterns r mostly offshore, so fingers crossed for clear skies & an epic view 
14% bigger moon = negligible flooding risk... sure, because that makes total sense 
. Anyway, I guess it'll be cool to see the big bright moon in the sky and stuff. Who needs sleep anyway when we've got a rare celestial event to witness? 
