December supermoon 2017: When will we be able to see it in the UK? Everything you need to know

Alexandra Richards2 December 2017

The first and only visible supermoon of the year is set to light up our skies on Sunday.

According to experts, the moon is set to be seven per cent larger than normal on December 3.

However, due to an optical illusion the moon can sometimes appear even bigger and if last year's is anything to go by, viewers will be in for a visual treat.

Here's everything you need to know about this year's supermoon:

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when a full or new moon coincides with the lunar orb being particularly close to earth in its cycle.

At different stages in the moon’s orbit around the earth it will be closer to us or further away.

This means that each month the moon reaches a furthest point from earth and a closest point.

According to National Geographic, this will be the fourth supermoon of the year; however it is the only one we will be able to see with the naked eye due to its close proximity to earth.

When will be the best time to see it?

The super moon will officially occur at 3.47 pm in the UK on December 3.

The day after the moon will be at its closest to earth in the month. It is anticipated that it will be within 222,443 miles from our planet at 4 pm on December 4.

This will mean that the on the night of the December 3 the moon will be seven per cent larger and 16 per cent brighter than usual.

To see the moon at its most vivid, it’s best to catch a glimpse just after sun down. This is due to an optical illusion that makes the super moon appear much bigger and brighter than it will look when it rises higher in the sky.

Tom Kerss, Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich said: "During moonrise and moonset, you might think the Moon looks unusually large, but this is an illusion created in the mind when it appears close to the horizon."

He continued: "Nevertheless, the ‘moon illusion’ can be a dramatic effect, and with the Moon rising so early, there there will be ample opportunities to see its apparently huge face juxtaposed with the eastern skyline".

Where is the best place to see it in London?

As the moon will be bigger than usual, experts have said that the the supermoon will be visible where ever you are in London.

Mr Kerss said: "The Moon will loom large over the eastern horizon, clear of most obstructions such as trees and buildings."

The moon will be large enough that viewers will not need to use special implements to view it, although binoculars and telescopes will provide a closer look.

Amazing Christmas Supermoon over London - In pictures

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Lucky people living in in northern Alaska, Canada, Russia and parts of China will be able to briefly witness the the moon passing over the bright star Aldebaran, an orange giant star located 65 light years away.

If you miss the moon due to cloud coverage, you will be able to watch it online with a free webcast from the Virtual Telescope Project which will begin its broad cast 4pm UT on December 3.

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