Earthlings are set to see the biggest moon all summer this weekend, but that means it could obscure a spectacular meteor shower that's projected to peak next week.
The so-called "supermoon" is set to appear its fullest at around 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, though the best time for Canadians to see it is right after sunset, CTV News reported.
Though astonishing, the bright moon could also steal the show from the Perseid meteor shower, which will peak on Aug. 12, CBC News reported.
The shower occurs when debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet flies through Earth's atmosphere and burns up.
A dark sky facilitates the best viewing of the Perseid. But with the moon still shining so brightly, it could be difficult to see the meteors, the network said.
Skywatchers who wish to catch a glimpse of the shower can try watching for it on any night from Aug. 8 to 15. People may not have a chance to see the phenomenon at its peak, but meteors may be visible next week if the skies are clear.
Sunday's supermoon will appear particularly big because it will reach its full state in the same hour that it hits "perigee," or the point in its oval-shaped orbit at which it is 50,000 kilometres closer to Earth than its "apogee" on the other side.
It is the second of three supermoons to occur this year. The last one arrived on July 10 and the next will be visible on September 9.
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