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Astronomy Image of the Day

Fireworks vs Supermoon

06 July 2023

Michael Seeley

NASA Astronomy Image of the Day for 06 July 2023

On July 4, an almost Full Moon rose in planet Earth's evening skies. Also known as a Buck Moon, the full lunar phase (full on July 3 at 11:39 UTC) was near perigee, the closest point in the Moon's almost monthly orbit around planet Earth. That qualified this July's Full Moon as a supermoon, the first of four supermoons in 2023. Seen from Cocoa Beach along Florida's Space Coast on July 4, any big, bright, beautiful Full Moon would still have to compete for attention though. July's super-moonrise was captured here against a super-colorful fireworks display.

Image and explanation courtesy of NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day