What You Need to Know About Sunday’s New Supermoon!

Mark your calendars! This Sunday, April 27, at precisely 2:31 p.m. EST, our beloved moon will slip between the Earth and the sun, marking the arrival of a new moon. But hold onto your telescopes, because this isn’t just any new moon; it’s a supermoon! While you won’t see it (new moons are by nature invisible), this celestial event has significant implications for our planet.

What Exactly Is a Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. This Sunday’s new supermoon is set to be an impressive 221,917 miles (357,141 kilometers) away, making it 10% closer than the average distance of 238,900 miles (384,472 kilometers). Not only will this be the closest new supermoon of 2025, but it also sets up the stage for some serious tidal influences!

Brace for King Tides!

The gravitational effects of both the moon and sun aligning can result in the strongest king tides of the year. If heavy winds and rainfall accompany the supermoon, coastal areas could face flooding risks. So, prepare for potential spring tides and stay informed if you're located near the shore!

Understanding Syzygy—A Rare Alignment!

While this supermoon is close to Earth, don’t expect a perfect alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth—known as syzygy—during this new moon. Such perfect alignments only occur during total solar eclipses, like the one that nearly graced eastern Canada recently.

Upcoming Eclipses to Watch!

Can't get enough of celestial phenomena? The next solar eclipse is a partial one on September 21, 2025, observable in Antarctica, New Zealand, and across the Pacific. Plus, an annular eclipse—a stunning "ring of fire"—will take place on February 17, 2026, visible only in remote parts of Antarctica. And don’t miss the next total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which will cast its shadow over eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain!

So get ready for this weekend's unforgettable new supermoon! Make the most of these celestial events, and let’s hope for clear skies!