SKYWATCHERS across the Mid North Coast looked to the heavens on Tuesday night as the biggest and brightest moon of 2025 rose over the horizon.
Dennis Hughes, one of the amateur astronomers at the Port Macquarie Observatory, explained to News Of The Area why the supermoon looked so large.
“The moon [was] around 30,000km closer to earth than normal at around 1am Wednesday morning, 5 November.
“There was a close encounter in October and then again there will be [another in] December, however this is the closest at 356,980km [from earth].”
Mr Hughes explained that the apparent size was more about perspective than distance.
“The moon looks largest at moonrise against the horizon, however this is an optical illusion.
“It looks about 15 percent larger and 30 percent brighter as it is copping the full force of the sun.”
The brightness proved so intense that even the observatory team had to adjust their viewing equipment.
“We have to use a filter on our telescopes – it is so bright.
“Although, it is hard to see any features because the Sun is not casting any shadows onto the Moon’s surface.”
Locals also noticed a change in the tides.
“The high tides are slightly higher than normal; however, there are a lot of other factors involved there.
For those watching from Port Macquarie’s headlands, the night sky offered an extra treat.
“It is great to watch the flight of the flying foxes across the full moon as well,” Mr Hughes said.
By Sis HIGGINS
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