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Supermoon, known as Blue Moon, will rise over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, United States on August 30, 2023.

OAKLAND, California. – From a Northern Lights show to a unique comet crossing the night sky, parts of Northern California have been treated to some spectacular celestial phenomena in recent days.

And this week, skygazers can prepare for another astronomical treat with the arrival of a supermoon, which NASA says will be the brightest of the year.

Thursday’s full moon will present itself as a supermoon, appearing slightly brighter and larger than an average full moon.

The phenomenon occurs when the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth while the moon is full, NASA explains.

“The moon will appear full at this time for about three days, from Tuesday evening through Friday morning,” the space agency noted.

According to meteorologist Brian Garcia of the National Weather Service’s San Francisco Bay Area office, because the moon rises in the east and sets in the west, the supermoon will make its largest appearance at moonrise on Wednesday, expected at 6:06 p.m. and at 6:06 p.m. . moonset the next morning, scheduled for 7:36 am

SEE ALSO: Stunning images of Northern Lights dazzle California

Weather conditions in the Bay Area are expected to provide good opportunities for viewing the moon display.

KTVU meteorologist Mark Tamayo said the increased winds will lead to clear skies by Thursday afternoon later this week.

Experts recommend catching the supermoon when it is just above the horizon because at that position the moon can be compared to and framed by buildings and other objects on the ground, creating the illusion that the moon is larger than it really is is. .

“Weather-wise, you want a clear view of the sky. Some people like to have a few clouds hanging around to provide some texture,” Garcia explained.

He added that those who want cloudless views will want to locate inland, while coastal areas may offer some texture.

“What about city lights? The supermoon will be bright enough to see anywhere the sky isn’t darkened.” Garcia explained.

This week’s full moon is also known as a Hunter’s Moon and follows on from last month’s Harvest Moon.

“According to the Farmer’s Almanac, now that the leaves are falling and the deer are fattened, it’s time to hunt,” NASA explained. “As the harvesters have harvested the fields, hunters can easily see the animals that have come out to gather (and the foxes that have come out to hunt them).”

The space agency said Thursday will mark the third of four consecutive supermoons and the brightest of the year, albeit only by a narrow margin.

The last supermoon of 2024 will arrive on Friday, November 15.