The night sky transformed into a celestial canvas as the Harvest Supermoon illuminated cities around the world on Monday evening. NASA explains this astronomical phenomenon occurs when a full moon is closer to Earth in its orbit, making the lunar surface appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than typical lunar displays.

Viewers across the globe were treated to stunning visual spectacles, with the moon casting its ethereal glow over iconic landmarks. From the Bay Bridge in San Francisco to the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Supermoon created breathtaking photographic moments that captured the imagination of sky watchers.

This October event is the first of three Supermoons expected this year, with subsequent lunar displays anticipated in November and December. The moon passed within approximately 224,600 miles of Earth, creating a subtle yet remarkable astronomical experience that reminded viewers of the cosmic wonder just above our atmosphere.

Local Bay Area residents experienced particularly clear skies, offering pristine viewing conditions. Photographers captured the Supermoon rising near Mount Diablo in Orinda and hovering majestically over San Francisco’s iconic Bay Bridge from Treasure Island.

International images showcased the moon’s global appeal, with stunning shots from London’s Tower Bridge, Milan’s gothic Duomo cathedral, and even near the border walls separating Mexico and the United States. Each location provided a unique backdrop that highlighted the universal beauty of this celestial event.

While Supermoons occur several times a year, each viewing remains a reminder of the awe-inspiring natural phenomena that continue to captivate human imagination. As technology advances and our understanding of astronomical events deepens, these moments connect us to the vast, mysterious universe surrounding our small planet.