Celestial triple treat: how to get the best view during a rare Supermoon

Stargazers will get the opportunity to view the moon at its biggest and brightest on three occasions in what is known as a Supermoon.

Macquarie University astrophysicist Professor Devika Kamath said the moon would appear larger and brighter.

"The moon is one of the largest objects in our sky," Professor Kamath said.

"Now, imagine that looking 14 per cent larger and about 30 per cent brighter when you're looking at a full moon."

Supermoons themselves aren't rare, occurring three to four times a year, however, this year marks a special occasion.

The next Supermoon, which will occur on October 7, will be the first in what Professor Kamath called a "rare trio" of three consecutive Supermoons.

This follows the five that happened at the beginning of the year, meaning sky-watchers will be treated to eight Supermoons in 2025.

Instead of tracing a perfect circle, the moon follows an ellipse, meaning it can pull and move away in different directions, sometimes by as much as 405,000 kilometres.

At the same time, the moon cycles from a new moon to a full moon.

A Supermoon is a full moon that occurs at the moon's closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.

"Astronomers call this a perigee," Professor Kamath said.

But it's more than just looks. Because the moon is so close, it affects the Earth with its gravitational pull, producing changes in the ocean called perigean spring tides.

These tides amplify high and low tides.

"You're not really going to notice the effects. We're not going to be expecting a tsunami or anything else." Professor Kamath said.

"What you will see, if you're surfing at that point in the evening, is you're going to see a beautiful moon lighting up the entire ocean, and I think it's going to look phenomenal."

Supermoons are expected on the following dates/times, just after sunset:

Professor Kamath said that for the best view on either of these dates, you need to catch the moon rising at the perfect time.

"What you want to do is you want to catch the moon just after sunset," she said.

"If you look towards the eastern horizon, where the moon will start rising, just after sunset, with clear skies and an open outlook, you will see the moon glow larger and brighter than ever, and it will slowly climb up into the night sky."

Professor Kamath said that the Supermoon will be at its best on November 5.

She also said those looking to see it in all its glory should try to find a dark spot, outside, away from city lights.

"If you're just looking at it from a phone camera or if you're a professional photographer, setting the moon with a background of the horizon - it's going to be just fantastic."