Supermoon shines bright over Malaysia

 

The largest and brightest full moon of the year, observed around 8pm, is known as the supermoon phenomenon. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, a position called perigee, which is about 356,832 kilometers from Earth. - NSTP/AHMAD UKASYAH

KUALA LUMPUR: A supermoon shone over Malaysia tonight, like a bright bulb lighting the dark.

The supermoon, when the moon is at its closest distance to the Earth and appears larger and brighter than usual, coincided with the peak of the Southern Taurid meteor shower.

However, visibility of the meteor shower was affected by the sheer brightness of the moon, especially in city areas.

The Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) had earlier said the moon would reach its full phase at 9.19pm, when it would be closest to the planet, at about 356,832km.

The largest and brightest full moon of the year, observed around 8pm, is known as the supermoon phenomenon.- - NSTP/AHMAD UKASYAH

The agency had also said the Southern Taurid meteor shower, active from Sept 23 to Nov 20, is expected to peak between tonight and the early hours of tomorrow.

"This phenomenon can be observed from Sept 23 to Nov 20. Its peak is expected on the night of Nov 5 until the early morning of Nov 6, with around five meteors visible per hour.

"However, the brightness of the full moon is expected to slightly affect visibility." - NST