Community Corner

'Supermoon' Rises on Saturday

Grab your camera and get ready for a spectacular lunar display this weekend when the 'supermoon' will create some dramatic photo ops.

Shutterbugs and skywatchers will be out in force this weekend when the 'supermoon' will make a dramatic appearance as it rises over the horizon on Saturday evening.

The 'supermoon' is the nickname given to the largest full moon of the year, and in , the 2012 supermoon will reach its apex at 10:35 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

However, astromers say the best time to see it will be when it is close to the horizon, around 8:15, so if you want to snap a great photograph, be prepared a few hours earlier.

Find out what's happening in Burnsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A convergence of celestial circumstances will create a dramatic effect as the moon rises over the horizon on Saturday. The moon will only be about 220,000 miles from your backyard, so it will appear extra big and extra bright, especially when rising over a backdrop such as your house, a tree, hillside or anything else you can frame in your shot. (For a scientific look at the supermoon from NASA, click on the attached video).

Burnsville Patch doesn't have the camera-cred or equipment to take (decent) pictures of this stunning phenomenon, but that doens't mean you can't! Get creative and show us what you've got. 

Find out what's happening in Burnsvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Upload your 'supermoon' photos to our Pics & Clips (YouTube videos are always welcome, too). 

What about the weather? Well, it's Minnesota, so the forecast will be different by the time you read this. But odds are good for clear enough skies to be able to view the supermoon in all its hugeness. Want to know more about the mysterious moon? Check out this article.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here