The Moon does not orbit Earth in a perfect circle. Instead, it follows an elliptical path that brings it 50,000 kilometres closer to our planet on one side of its orbit. On 12 December, the Moon will enter its full phase, when its disc appears completely illuminated by the Sun, just four hours after reaching its closest point to Earth. This will make it 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons in 2008. It will be eight years before the Moon appears so big again. Also it is expected to have an effect on Earth’s tides.
Photo of the moon taken at its closest point to Earth in the northern hemisphere on 12 December 2008 around midnight. The full Moon will also appear higher in the sky than any other year. At this time the moon will shine down from nearly overhead. The landscape of Château de Peyrepertuse is a PS composite. Photo properties ISO100, 1/400s, f/7.1, zoom 648mm and spot metering












