With a drought of good news currently being experienced across the globe, it could not have been a better time for people to unite over the largest supermoon of 2020.

The super pink moon happens when the moon is at its closest point to Earth during its elliptical orbit, making it appear around 30% bigger and brighter than normal.

(Ukraine/REUTERS)

 “The term ‘supermoon’ was coined in 1979 and is often used today to describe what astronomers would call a perigean (pear-ih-jee-un) full moon: a full moon occurring near or at the time when the Moon is at its closest point in its orbit around Earth,” say NASA on its website.

A pink supermoon rises over the Rock of Dunamase in County Laois in the Republic of Ireland
(Republic of Ireland/PA Media)

However, if you were expecting the moon to glow pink, you may have been disappointed. The name derives from the spring season and a wildflower native to North America called the moss phlox. It also follows Native American traditions which name moons to keep track of time.

Notre Dame, Paris
(Paris/REUTERS)

The supermoon is the third to occur this year, with only one more left to occur this year. If you missed last night’s viewing, then remember to set your date for May 7th for 2020’s last supermoon.

While the current lockdown has undoubtedly been challenging for most people, the super pink moon was a reminder of the beauty of our cosmos, allowing us a rare opportunity to sit and be still in the moment.

(London/REUTERS)
(Strasbourg/REUTERS)
(Missouri/AP)
(North Macedonia/EPA)

Aisha Mohamed