The supermoon on April 7 will be the brightest and largest of 2020. (The Canadian Press)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

eye on the sky

Brightest supermoon of 2020 a chance to be together, apart

Apr 7, 2020 | 12:11 PM

NANAIMO — Gazing up at the night sky can offer a communal experience which is hard to come by these days.

VIU astronomy professor Dr. Gregory Arkos recommends everyone step outside and look up at the moon tonight, Tuesday, April 7, because the moon will be the brightest and biggest it’s going to get all year.

It’s known as a supermoon. While they’re not uncommon, Arkos said tonights full moon is happening when the moon is closest to the Earth, by approximately 30,000 kilometres.

Beyond the brighter light bathing the mid-island area, Arkos said looking at the moon is a way to stay connected with everyone else.

“Especially in this time where we’re forced to be so physically apart from each other, it’s a neat thing that brings us together. We can all look up and see this supermoon in the night sky and all get to experience it together,” he said.

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The final supermoon of 2020 is scheduled for May, but Arkos said it won’t be nearly as bright as the April 7 offering.

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