Get Ready For The 'Super Moon'

DETROIT (WWJ) - Are you ready for a big, full moon?  Later tonight, if you step outside you will notice that the moon is roughly 14 percent bigger and 33 percent brighter, an event known as "Super Moon." 

Cranbrook Astronomy Expert Mike Narlock said it all has to do with how close the moon is to earth.

"It's really nothing to be concerned about, other than when you go outside and see the full moon you're going to be able to see it bigger than it normally is and much, much brighter than it normally is."

Narlock said depending on where you are at, the moon could be even bigger.

"One of the things that you can look for is there is an optical illusion. When the moon is near the horizon our brains sort of play a trick on us and the moon appears bigger than it does when it's up high in the sky," Narlock explained. "Now, because the moon is actually going to be bigger, this optical illusion could play more of a factor and when you see the moon as it rises it could look even bigger."

Narlock assures that as long as you are outside, you'll be able to see the "Super Moon."

"Once it rises, it's going to be pretty much the same brightness. It will be a different color probably when it's near the horizon, probably more amber because its cutting through more of the atmosphere and certainly more white or silver as it gets higher."

Narlock said there is nothing dangerous about the moon's proximity to earth. The last time a  "Super Moon" occurrence like this happened was in 1993.