Smallest Full Moon of 2009 Today

The moon is full today, and it is an interesting one.

The exact moment of its fullness (in truth, it's never fully full) occurred early this morning (5:21 a.m. EDT), so practically speaking, it was fuller last night than it will be tonight. Most of us would be hard pressed to tell the difference, however, so enjoy it tonight. Find out when it rises in your area by going here.

This will be the smallest full moon this year. The moon's orbit is not circular, so at full moon, it is sometimes closer to Earth than other times. Today it is farther than other full moons this year, so it appears smaller and dimmer. Again, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference unless you study these things.

Full moons have names, and this one is the Full Buck Moon, because it comes when the new antlers of buck deer push out from their foreheads.

Just as the moon rises, you'll swear it looks larger than when it gets higher in the sky. That's an illusion that's all in your mind, astronomers say.

Finally, check out the Teapot of stars near the moon tonight.