Unearthing mystery of the moon
IT'S BEEN blamed for everything from the sinking of the Titanic to werewolf attacks, so it's no wonder the so-called super moon gets a bad rap.
The phenomenon, like the one which occurred on Saturday night, happens when the moon is at its closest to Earth.
But not as close as it appears.
At 356,955km away, it's 24,622km closer than normal ... but still a fair hike in anyone's language.
Experts say it's the elliptical orbit of the moon which causes it to appear much closer and larger.
Coast man Ian Ward was one who enjoyed the spectacle and managed to capture some stunning photographs into the bargain.
"It looks bigger when it comes out of the sea," he said.
"You've got something to compare it with creating an optical illusion."
