Largest Full Moon of 2009

Explanation: A larger moon will not be seen this year. This past weekend, the largest full Moon of 2009 could be seen from almost any clear location on planet Earth at night . The large angular extent of the full Moon was caused by the Moon being unusually close to Earth during its full phase . Because the Moon circles the Earth in an elliptical orbit , its angular size depends on how close the Moon is to closest approach (perigee) or farthest distance ( apogee ). Even so, the Moon's was only about 15 percent larger in area and brightness than a more typical full Moon. In this image , a dramatically positioned Moon is seen rising above the Alps from Breil-sur-Roya in the southeast of France. Taken with an ordinary digital camera but extraordinary timing, the image also captured a crossing jet plane . The last full Moon, in 2008 December, was the largest full moon of 2008 .