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SCMP Reporters

Hong Kong stargazers were treated to a special event Monday night, as the city witnessed a rare supermoon. Clear skies allowed unimpeded views of the moon rising over Hong Kong early in the evening.

Photographer Rudmer Hoekstra managed to capture stunning images of the red moon rising out of the haze next to the IFC skyscraper from the pavilion on Lung Fu Shan above the University of Hong Kong.
How the ‘supermoon’ got its name — along with 27 other weird names we have for full moons

This rare phenomenon happens when the moon reaches its peak while at its closest possible distance to earth, making its diameter appear larger than usual.

The last time the world saw a supermoon was in 1948. This is the closest the moon has been to earth since then – 356,509km away.

Across the city, festive lights mingled with the bright glow of the supermoon, creating a magical effect.

Keen stargazers headed outside to get a glimpse, with some favouring the height of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers to gaze, while others opted for parks to escape the city’s light pollution.

Social media was alight with photos of the event, with more than a million #supermoon posts on Instagram.
Hong Kong photographers show how to shoot night skies over city
Those who missed out on spotting the supermoon Monday night might be waiting a while ... the next opportunity to see one will be in 2034.

via GIPHY

GIF credits: @thebernunithk, @friedwontons2, @thebernunithk, @ml.pianist, @2zoeee, @rod.diaz, @cheukmei, @kakaimarr, @leungkwokkeungleung


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Supermoon over Hong Kong inspires photographers to capture lunar marvel

The first supermoon since 1948 rises over Hong Kong's sky. Photo:David Wong

A 'supermoon' rises over residential buildingS in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on November 14, 2016. Skygazers headed to high-rise buildings, ancient forts and beaches on November 14 to witness the closest 'supermoon' to Earth in almost seven decades, hoping for dramatic photos and spectacular surf. The moon will be the closest to Earth since 1948 at a distance of 356,509 kilometres (221,524 miles), creating what NASA described as 'an extra-supermoon'. / AFP PHOTO / ISAAC LAWRENCE

People watch as a "supermoon" rises over Hong Kong on November 14, 2016. Skygazers headed to high-rise buildings, ancient forts and beaches on November 14 to witness the closest "supermoon" to Earth in almost seven decades, hoping for dramatic photos and spectacular surf. The moon will be the closest to Earth since 1948 at a distance of 356,509 kilometres (221,524 miles), creating what NASA described as "an extra-supermoon". / AFP PHOTO / ANTHONY WALLACE

A "supermoon" is seen in the sky over in Hong Kong on November 14, 2016. Skygazers headed to high-rise buildings, ancient forts and beaches on November 14 to witness the closest "supermoon" to Earth in almost seven decades, hoping for dramatic photos and spectacular surf. The moon will be the closest to Earth since 1948 at a distance of 356,509 kilometres (221,524 miles), creating what NASA described as "an extra-supermoon". / AFP PHOTO / Anthony WALLACE

This image shows the super moon over Hong Kong's sky.14NOV16 SCMP/Sam Tsang

The raising of the super moon is seen next to IFC2 tower during the evening on November 14th, 2016. Photo: Rudmer Hoekstra.

A "supermoon" (C) is seen past decorative lights in Hong Kong on November 14, 2016. Skygazers headed to high-rise buildings, ancient forts and beaches on November 14 to witness the closest "supermoon" to Earth in almost seven decades, hoping for dramatic photos and spectacular surf. The moon will be the closest to Earth since 1948 at a distance of 356,509 kilometres (221,524 miles), creating what NASA described as "an extra-supermoon". / AFP PHOTO / Anthony WALLACE

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Hong Kong

Health & Environment

The first supermoon since 1948 captivated stargazers across the world, lighting up night skies and social media
