New Moon, Supermoon ring in the New Year

The first night of 2014 also brings with it the first lunar phenomenon of the year: a new moon that’s also a supermoon. It’s one of two supermoons in January (the other is January 30) and one of five for the whole year.

What is a supermoon? When the moon orbits slightly closer to Earth than on average, NASA states. Typically, it’s most visible when the moon is full, but that’s not the only time it can occur. In fact, given that the upcoming event is a new moon, we’ll barely be able to see its light at all — no matter how late we celebrate into the night.

People in parts of North America farthest west and those on islands in the Pacific may have some visibility, but only through binoculars. Tides in some places will also be higher. “When the sun, moon and Earth are in alignment (at the time of the new or full moon), the solar tide has an additive effect on the lunar tide,” according to NOAA, “creating extra-high high tides, and very low, low tides — both commonly called spring tides.” Unless a severe weather event accompanies the high tides, however, don’t expect anything dramatic to happen from the lunar effect.

Sadly, the January 30 supermoon is also a new moon, so same deal: no viewing pleasure. On August 10, however — the closest supermoon of the year — the lunar event coincides with a full moon, creating what will look like a huge, low ball of light in the sky.

Click here to read more. You can also know more about the supermoon if you click here.