Just how ‘super’ is this weekend’s supermoon?

  By: Scott Sutherland | Geekquinox – Fri, 21 Jun, 2013
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This 'supermoon' was captured over Los Angeles, California on May 5th, 2012.

June 23rd's full moon is a supermoon; in fact, it's the super-est supermoon of the year. But what does that mean?

If you're not familiar with the term supermoon, that's because — at least in terms of astronomy — it's pretty new. The term wasn't really thrown around in astronomical circles much before the March 19, 2011 full moon. But if you know your sign and which house your ascendant is in, you might recognize it. The term is actually a crossover from astrology, and refers to a new or full moon occurring when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth (thanks to the moon's slightly oval orbit).

Within 90% might not sound like that high a hurdle to clear and, in fact, it isn't. Using that guideline, there are an average of 4 to 6 supermoons per year.

Comparison of a regular full moon and the March 2011 supermoon. This weekend's supermoon has an edge, though, that makes it more interesting. Not only is the moon within 90% of its closest point, it's actually the closest approach of this year — the closest it will be to Earth until August next year...   click get more.

sourece : http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/just-super-weekend-supermoon-123123243.html