Get Ready: The Closest New Supermoon of 2025 is Coming on April 27

Get Ready: The Closest New Supermoon of 2025 is Coming on April 27

The Moon has always fascinated humanity — from ancient mythologies to modern science, its presence has stirred our imagination. And in 2025, skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts will have something special to look forward to: the closest new supermoon of the year, happening on Sunday, April 27.

While a new moon typically slips by unnoticed in the dark sky, this particular event is extraordinary because of just how close our natural satellite will be to Earth — a mere 221,917 miles (357,070 kilometers) away. That’s nearly 17,000 miles closer than the Moon's average distance of about 238,900 miles (384,400 kilometers)! Even though we won't be able to see the Moon glowing overhead — because it will be positioned between Earth and the Sun — its effects will still be felt, particularly in our planet’s oceans and tides.

What Exactly is a Supermoon?

Before diving deeper into this specific event, let's refresh on what a "supermoon" really is. A supermoon occurs when the Moon’s orbit brings it particularly close to Earth at the same time that it's either full or new. This close approach is called the perigee, and it contrasts with the apogee, when the Moon is farthest from Earth.

Full supermoons are famous for appearing larger and brighter in the night sky, capturing the attention of photographers, stargazers, and casual skywatchers alike. New supermoons, however, are a bit trickier — because during a new moon phase, the side of the Moon facing Earth is not illuminated by the Sun. So even though it’s a "supermoon," it remains largely invisible to the human eye.

Still, the influence of a new supermoon is very real — and significant.

The April 27, 2025 New Supermoon: Why It Matters

This particular new supermoon is noteworthy because it’s the closest new moon of the entire year. When the Moon is at perigee, its gravitational pull on Earth intensifies slightly. Combined with the gravitational forces of the Sun — because new moons are aligned with the Sun and Earth — we experience what are called perigean spring tides. These tides are higher and lower than normal, leading to especially dramatic coastal conditions.

In some parts of the world, these extreme tides can cause minor flooding in low-lying areas, particularly if they coincide with stormy weather or strong winds. Coastal communities, fishermen, and sailors often pay close attention to supermoon tides, because they can affect marine navigation and shoreline erosion.

Even if you don’t live near the ocean, the April 27 supermoon is a reminder of how intimately connected our planet is to the rhythms of the Moon. It subtly pulls at Earth's waters, atmosphere, and even the crust itself — tiny influences that we often overlook but which have shaped our environment for billions of years.

Can You See a New Supermoon?

The short answer: not really.

During a new moon, the Moon sits between Earth and the Sun, with its illuminated side facing away from us. The result is an almost complete absence of light in the night sky where the Moon normally would appear. Occasionally, if conditions are just right, you might spot a very faint "earthshine" — sunlight reflected off Earth onto the Moon’s surface — but for the most part, the April 27 new supermoon will be invisible.

However, its presence will still be felt in other ways. Sensitive instruments can detect minute changes in Earth's gravitational field during a close new supermoon, and as mentioned earlier, tides will be noticeably affected.

If you're eager for a more visual spectacle, don't worry: 2025 will also bring a series of full supermoons later in the year, when the Moon will rise spectacularly large and bright in the evening sky. Mark your calendars, because those will be prime opportunities for lunar photography and casual moon-gazing!

Fun Facts About the Moon’s Distance

At perigee (closest point): About 221,917 miles from Earth on April 27, 2025.

At apogee (farthest point): Around 253,000 miles.

Average distance: Roughly 238,900 miles.

The Moon’s orbit isn’t a perfect circle; it's an ellipse. That’s why its distance from Earth varies from month to month. These variations have subtle effects not just on tides, but also on the Moon’s apparent size in the sky — it can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter during a full supermoon compared to a micromoon (a full Moon near apogee).

Final Thoughts: Cosmic Connections

Events like the April 27, 2025, new supermoon serve as beautiful reminders of the dynamic relationship between Earth and its celestial partner. Even when the Moon is invisible to us, its gravitational tug influences our world in profound ways.

Whether you're near the ocean and notice the stronger tides, or you're simply aware of this cosmic alignment, it’s a powerful feeling to know that we are part of a universe where even distant bodies move in intricate, predictable dances. So even if you can’t see the new supermoon, take a moment on April 27 to look up at the sky a

nd imagine the unseen forces shaping our world.