‘Super Flower Moon’ will light up the night sky this week. Here’s when you can see it

This week’s super flower moon is the fourth and final super moon of 2020, and there won’t be another celestial event like it for nearly a year, according to NASA.

Super moons occur when the moon is full and at its closest point along its orbit to Earth. With the moon nearer, it seems larger and brighter than usual.

This latest super moon will be at its peak Thursday at 6:45 am ET, according to NASA -- but that’s not the only chance for good viewing.

“The moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Tuesday evening through Friday morning,” according to NASA.

To witness the moon at its best during that window, keep an eye on the horizon and try to catch it at the start of moonrise.

Right as the moon is first orbiting into view is when it appears biggest, an illusion caused by the human brain trying to compare its size to other objects in view, such as buildings and trees, Space.com reported.

Additionally, the moon will often appear yellow or orange instead of white while cresting the horizon. This is because light from the moon must travel a further distance across the Earth’s atmosphere at this angle, according to NASA. Dust particles and air pollution can intensify the effect.

The timing of Thursday’s super moon coincides with the Flower Moon, a name for the first full moon in May used by the Algonquin tribes of North America, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

“May’s Full Flower Moon name is not surprising,” according to the Almanac. “Flowers spring forth in abundance this month!”

The next super moons won’t be until April 27 and May 26 of 2021, according to NASA.