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The moon will look a bit bigger and more luminous on Monday night, which is referred to as a supermoon.

The supermoon in October marks the beginning of three such events this year. It occurs when a full moon is positioned closer to Earth in its orbital path. This proximity causes the moon to appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to the smallest full moon of the year, as stated by NASA. The slight variation occurs several times annually, occasionally aligning with other celestial phenomena like lunar eclipses.

“It’s not particularly out of the ordinary,” remarked Derrick Pitts, the chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Every person across the globe can witness a supermoon without needing any special tools, provided the weather is clear. However, distinguishing the difference might be challenging, particularly if individuals haven’t viewed the regular moon in the preceding nights.

“If you venture outside and observe the moon when it’s extremely high in the sky, there’s nothing nearby to help you understand its apparent size,” Pitts stated.

During the most recent observation, the moon will come within approximately 224,600 miles (361,459 kilometers) of Earth. The nearest supermoon of the year is scheduled for November, with another one occurring in December.

The events will take place in 2026, featuring two lunar eclipses: a total eclipse visible over much of North America, Asia, and Australia in March, and a partial eclipse in August that can be seen across the Americas, Africa, and Europe.