Next Supermoon 2026

When Is the Next Super Moon 2026? (October 26, 2026)

You step outside, look toward the eastern horizon, and stop in your tracks. The moon isn't just full—it looks enormous, glowing with an intensity that casts long shadows on the ground. You aren't imagining things. You are witnessing a Supermoon.

While a standard full moon is beautiful, a Supermoon is an astronomical event that demands attention. It dominates the skyline, pulls harder on the ocean's tides, and offers photographers a rare chance to capture the moon in all its glory. But these events are rare, occurring only a few times a year. If you are asking, "When is the next Supermoon in 2025?" or "How many days until the Supermoon?", our live countdown tool above has the precise answer.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the science, the schedule, the photography techniques, and the myths surrounding the biggest moons of the decade.

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What Exactly is a Supermoon? (The Science)

The term "Supermoon" isn't actually an official astronomical term. It was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. However, NASA and astronomers prefer the more technical term: Perigee-Syzygy.

To understand a Supermoon, you have to understand the shape of the Moon's orbit:

A Supermoon occurs when two things happen simultaneously:

1. The Moon is in its Full Phase (100% illuminated).
2. The Moon is at (or near) Perigee (its closest point to Earth).

Does It Really Look Bigger?

Skeptics often ask if the difference is noticeable to the naked eye. The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you catch it at moonrise.

The "Moon Illusion" Factor: Even though the moon is physically closer, the reason it looks gigantic when it rises over the horizon is a trick of the mind called the Moon Illusion. When you see the moon next to trees, buildings, or mountains, your brain perceives it as massive compared to when it is high up in the empty sky.

Confirmed Supermoon Calendar (2024 - 2026)

Unlike regular full moons which happen monthly, Supermoons often come in "streaks" of 3 or 4 months in a row. Here are the confirmed dates you need to mark in your calendar to ensure you don't miss the show.

How to Photograph a Supermoon: A Beginner's Guide

The Supermoon is the most photographed celestial event. However, most people end up with a glowing white blob on their phone screen. Here is how to capture the craters, the glow, and the scale, whether you are using a DSLR or a smartphone.

"The 'Looney 11' rule states: For a full moon, set your aperture to f/11 and your shutter speed to the reciprocal of your ISO (e.g., ISO 100, Shutter 1/100)."

Real Effects: King Tides & Nature

Does the Supermoon cause earthquakes or volcanic eruptions? No. Geologists have found no significant correlation between lunar perigee and geological disasters. However, the Supermoon does have a very real, measurable effect on Earth: The Tides.

The moon's gravitational pull is the primary driver of Earth's tides. When the moon is at perigee (closest), that pull is about 42% stronger than when it is at apogee.

• Perigean Spring Tides: Often called "King Tides," these occur during a Supermoon. High tides are higher, and low tides are lower.
• Coastal Flooding: If a Supermoon coincides with a storm surge or high winds, coastal areas are at a much higher risk of minor flooding (nuisance flooding).

Supermoon FAQ