Astronomy
Supermoons & Micromoons
A Supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the Moon is at or near perigee (its closest point to Earth in its orbit). The Moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it's at apogee (a Micromoon). Find the next supermoons with exact distances and timings.
Next Supermoon
24 Dec 2026
24 Dec 2026, 06:58 IST
Next Perigee (Closest)
10 Aug 2026, 16:48 IST
Moon distance: 363273 km
Perigee is when the Moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. When perigee coincides with a full moon, we get a Supermoon.
Next Apogee (Farthest)
25 Jul 2026, 22:14 IST
Moon distance: 405538 km
Apogee is when the Moon is farthest from Earth. When apogee coincides with a full moon, we get a Micromoon.
Upcoming Full Moons — Supermoon Detection
| Full Moon (IST) | Distance (km) | Size vs Avg | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Jul 2026, 20:06 IST | 399605 | 96.2% | Regular |
| 28 Aug 2026, 09:49 IST | 390385 | 98.5% | Regular |
| 26 Sep 2026, 22:19 IST | 379423 | 101.3% | Regular |
| 26 Oct 2026, 09:42 IST | 368859 | 104.2% | Regular |
| 24 Nov 2026, 20:24 IST | 360754 | 106.6% | Regular |
| 24 Dec 2026, 06:58 IST | 356729 | 107.8% | 🌕 Supermoon |
| 22 Jan 2027, 17:47 IST | 357635 | 107.5% | 🌕 Supermoon |
| 21 Feb 2027, 04:54 IST | 363296 | 105.8% | Regular |
| 22 Mar 2027, 16:14 IST | 372518 | 103.2% | Regular |
| 21 Apr 2027, 03:57 IST | 383421 | 100.3% | Regular |
| 20 May 2027, 16:29 IST | 393893 | 97.6% | Regular |
| 19 Jun 2027, 06:15 IST | 401943 | 95.6% | Regular |
Threshold: Full moons with Earth-Moon distance < 360,000 km are classified as Supermoons. Distances > 405,000 km (near apogee) are classified as Micromoons. Average lunar distance: 384,400 km.
What Is a Supermoon?
The Moon's orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle — it's an ellipse, with Earth at one focus. This means the Moon's distance from Earth varies throughout each orbit, from about 356,500 km at perigee (closest) to about 406,700 km at apogee (farthest) — a difference of about 50,000 km, or 13% of the average distance.
A Supermoon occurs when a full moon happens near perigee. Because the Moon is closer, it appears larger (by up to 14% in diameter, 30% in area) and brighter (by up to 30%) than a micromoon (full moon at apogee). The term was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, who defined it as "a new or full moon which occurs at or near 90% of the Moon's closest approach to Earth in a given orbit." Astronomers typically use a distance threshold of 360,000 km — the threshold used on this page.
While 14% larger sounds dramatic, the difference is hard to perceive without a direct comparison. However, supermoons are noticeably brighter — about 30% more light reaches Earth compared to a micromoon. This is why photographers and sky-watchers particularly enjoy supermoons. The "moon illusion" (when the Moon looks huge near the horizon) is a separate psychological effect, not related to supermoons.
Supermoon vs Micromoon vs Regular Moon
🌕 Supermoon
Full moon at or near perigee (distance < 360,000 km). Appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a micromoon. Occurs 3-4 times per year on average. The Moon is closest, so its gravitational pull on Earth's tides is also strongest — producing "perigean spring tides" that are slightly higher than normal.
🌑 Regular Moon
A typical full moon at average distance (~384,400 km). Neither particularly large nor small. The Moon appears as it does on most months — about 0.5° in angular diameter, roughly the size of an aspirin tablet held at arm's length.
🌑 Micromoon
Full moon at or near apogee (distance > 405,000 km). Appears 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than a supermoon. Also called an "apogee full moon" or "mini-moon." Occurs 1-2 times per year. The reduced gravitational pull produces slightly lower tides than average.
Vedic Perspective on Supermoons
Traditional Vedic astronomy tracked the Moon's varying distance through the 27 nakshatras (lunar mansions) and the concept of Manda (slow, near apogee) and Sighra (fast, near perigee) motions. Classical texts like the Surya Siddhanta describe the Moon's "apsidal" motion (movement of perigee and apogee) in detail. However, the concept of a "supermoon" as a distinct phenomenon is modern — traditional texts treat every Purnima (full moon) as equally sacred, regardless of distance.
That said, since a supermoon is brighter and more visible, it's an excellent time for moon-gazing meditation (Chandra Dhyan), recitation of Chandra-related mantras (Om Som Somaya Namah), and observing the Chandra Narayana vrat. The extra brightness also makes it ideal for night-long kirtans and Satyanarayana Katha — the moon's illuminating quality is celebrated as a metaphor for the illuminating quality of spiritual knowledge.
Astrologically, a supermoon is sometimes said to amplify the Moon's effects on the mind and emotions. For those with a weak or afflicted Moon in their birth chart (Kundli), a supermoon can be an excellent time for Chandra-related remedies: wearing pearls, offering arghya to the Moon, reciting the Chandra Beej mantra, or performing the Somvar (Monday) vrat.