‘Supermoon’ 2014 returns; high tides at beaches expected
Summer just got brighter as the so-called “supermoon” is expected to light up the Earth early Saturday.
With it, the National Weather Service issued a warning to coastal areas of Southern California.
“High astronomical tides will occur this evening and Saturday evening. High tides around 7 feet could bring minor tidal overflows and beach erosion to area beaches, especially south of Point Conception, and smaller rock jetties will be more susceptible to wave over-topping,” the warning says. “Due to the complex bathymetry along the California Coast, rip currents are always possible. Always swim near a lifeguard.”
The scientic phenomenom known as “perigee moon” will appear not only once, but three times this summer on July 12, Aug. 10 and Sept. 9, all on days that full moons are expected, according to NASA.
Last year’s “supermoon” was 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, prompting many Southern California residents to pick up a camera and observe the spectacle.
On Saturday, the “supermoon” will appear at 4:25 a.m., so far making it the closest and largest full moon this year, according to the National Weather Service.
Aug. 10th’s “supermoon” should be especially large because it will become full at the same hour of perigee.
For breaking news in Los Angeles and California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA. She can be reached at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
