CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — This week marks a noteworthy lunar event: the final supermoon of the year, which is set to shine brighter and appear larger than the typical full moon. The supermoon will reach a distance of approximately 225,000 miles (361,867 kilometers) from Earth on Thursday, but its full phase won’t occur until Friday.

This stunning celestial display arises right after the peak activity of the Taurid meteor shower and precedes the more vigorous Leonid meteor shower. The supermoon series, which began in August, features a notable comparison: last month’s supermoon was the closest of the year, coming in at 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers) nearer to our planet. Looking ahead, observers can anticipate three more supermoons in 2025, with the first of these occurring in October.

What defines a supermoon? Although it is a commonly used term, it lacks strict scientific definition. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with a particularly close approach to Earth. This phenomenon typically manifests three to four times annually, given the moon’s constantly changing, elliptical orbit. While a supermoon may not be physically larger, it can appear more prominent in the sky, although the actual difference might be imperceptible to the average eye.

This year’s calendar showcases a total of four supermoons. The August supermoon was positioned 224,917 miles (361,970 kilometers) away, while the September alignment was slightly closer at 222,131 miles (357,486 kilometers). Alongside that event, a partial lunar eclipse occurred, casting Earth’s shadow on the moon, creating an illusion of a small bite. The October supermoon was notably the closest of the year, at a distance of 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) from Earth, with this month’s supermoon poised to give a final dazzling display as it makes its closest approach on Thursday.

So, what’s the significance for the average observer? Experts caution that only those with keen eyesight may notice the subtle differences between regular and supermoons. However, the increase in brightness is much more apparent; a supermoon can shine up to 30% brighter than a standard full moon. As the U.S. and various other nations increase their focus on lunar exploration, both with landers and the eventual return of astronauts to the moon, its allure remains more captivating than ever.