'Supermoon' Rises at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday Evening

Shutterbugs and skywatchers will be out in force this weekend when the 'supermoon' will make a dramatic appearance as it rises over the horizon on Saturday evening.

The 'supermoon' is the nickname given to the largest full moon of the year, and in the Twin Cities area, the 2012 supermoon will reach its apex at 10:35 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

However, astromers say the best time to see it will be when it is close to the horizon, around 8:15, so if you want to snap a great photograph, be prepared a few hours earlier.

A convergence of celestial circumstances will create a dramatic effect as the moon rises over the horizon on Saturday. The moon will only be about 220,000 miles from your backyard, so it will appear extra big and extra bright, especially when rising over a backdrop such as your house, a tree, hillside or anything else you can frame in your shot. (For a scientific look at the supermoon from NASA, click on the attached video).

Upload your 'supermoon' photos to this story (YouTube videos are always welcome, too) or email them as attachments to Eagan Patch Editor David Henke at david.henke@patch.com. 

What about the weather? Well, it's Minnesota, so the forecast will be different by the time you read this. But odds are good for clear enough skies to be able to view the supermoon in all its hugeness. Want to know more about the mysterious moon? Check out this article.