Moon Lunar Events And EclipsesLunar Event

Full moon brightness, supermoon, and haze scattering explanations

April 4, 2026r/astronomy

In r/astronomy, a viral question about an unusually bright Moon prompts practical explanations ranging from supermoon timing to high altitude haze scattering moonlight, reinforcing norms around curiosity and observational context.

This might sound like a dumb question, but why is the moon so bright today? I can literally read a book outside 📍Germany
The Moon was closest to Earth last week in it's orbit. Full Moon occured today. When these occur on the same day it's a supermoon (larger and brighter).
I don't think they realize quite how much high-altitude haze/clouds disperse and scatter moonlight.
Low level haze or cloud scattered the moonlight and makes it hit from more directions, is my feel.
Not a dumb question at all. There are lots of interesting things that could make that the case.
high-altitude haze/clouds disperse and scatter moonlight.
The Moon was closest to Earth last week in it's orbit. Full Moon occured today.
When these occur on the same day it's a supermoon (larger and brighter).
Not a dumb question at all.
r/astronomy
full moonsupermoonatmospheric scattering

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