By Sammy Payne

Special to the Weekly

Last night’s full moon was the third supermoon of this year.

The term “supermoon” was coined to describe the point in the moon’s elliptical orbit that is most closest to Earth, – a new or full moon within 90 percent range of it’s closest distance.

According to a NASA spokesperson a supermoon can be up to 13 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than a full moon.

The supermoon phenomenon is surrounded by many popular astrological myths: A full moon has been speculated to trigger a risk of flooding, earth quake, volcanic eruption, and an increased disposition to mental illness.

This supermoon coincided with the birth of the future King of England, consequently giving rise to theories that the moon may have induced Princess Kate’s labour.

However academics have noted the effects of supermoons are near imperceptible. The only exception being an extra-close full moon may cause higher perigean tides.

A supermoon usually occurs 4-6 times a year, according to online sources.