Within a few days we will get a glimpse of the biggest full moon this year.

The moon will be at its biggest and brightest on May 5, when the moon reaches its Lunar Perigee. The moon will come within 221,802 miles (356,955 kilometers) of Earth.  It will be at its fullest at 11.30pm EST - and will appear to be 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter, according to the Examiner. However, the moon will look big even a day before the actual Lunar Perigee. NASA scientists say that the annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower will be also hitting its peak at the same time.

In a statement, NASA said: "For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, low-hanging Moons look unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects. On May 5th, this Moon illusion will amplify a full Moon that's extra-big to begin with."


Last year's super moon was observed on March 19, 2011.

Tags: super moon