Super Moon 2012: It's Big, It's Bright, It's This Weekend

The full Moon is often associated with rising tides, werewolves, and other mythological lore. Even the term lunatic comes from lunar.

Those who fear the influence of the Moon may want to lock their doors or not venture too far outside Saturday night because the Moon will appear 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than other full Moons of 2012, according to NASA.

Commonly called the “Super Moon,” the phenomenon is known to scientists as the “perigee moon.”  The term comes from the elliptical path the Moon follows around the Earth and reaches perigee, which is the point closest to the Earth’s center during the orbit. The Moon will be about 31,000 miles closer to Earth's orbit than the furthest point of its elliptical orbit, according to NASA.

If the weather cooperates, you’ll be able to see the Super Moon from almost anywhere in town, including the But if you're looking for a super Super Moon experience, grab some silver, garlic, and your camera, and hike or drive into the hills; find a place with a good view to the east.

Don't be late. The Super Moon will be at its most dramatic while rising and low on the horizon. Try not to howl.