The Moon was the closest it has been to the Earth in the 21 century at about 356,955 km (221,802 mi), May 7. This is considered a Supermoon because the moon looks bigger and brighter than usual.

The average distance between the Moon and the Earth is about 406,448 km (252,555 mi). The next Supermoon will not be as close as this years with a distance of 356,991 km (221,823 mi), June 23, 2013.

For more information about the Supermoon, read the EarthSky article Is biggest and closest full moon on May 5, 2012 a supermoon?.

For more photos, check out Surverying the students or You’ll Be in My Heart.