SuperMoon

The moon may look exceptionally large and bright over the next few nights, as it is closer to the earth than it has been at any time over the past 18 years.

At its closest point (the lunar perigee) it is about 220,000 miles away from us, compared to 254,000 at its furthest point (the lunar apogee).

Tidal forces from the moon are roughly 10-15 per cent stronger during the lunar perigee, but this doesn't necessarily mean they will have any significant effect on the tides on earth. At most, tides would be expected to rise by about an inch (3cm approx).

American astrologer Richard Nolle, who uses the phrase "supermoon" to describe this phenomenon, claims that it can be linked to extreme tides, storms and earthquakes.

However, a number of leading astronomers have denied that the proximity of the moon plays any part in causing earthquakes.