'Supermoon' Rises on Saturday, to Be Biggest Moon of the Year

Lakeville's Shutterbugs and skywatchers will be out in force this weekend when the 'supermoon' will make a dramatic appearance as it rises over the horizon on Saturday evening.

The 'supermoon' is the nickname given to the largest full moon of the year, and in , the 2012 supermoon will reach its apex between 8:15 and 10:35 p.m. on Saturday, May 5.

Lloyd Peterson, 64, for one, will be out looking at the sky, he said.

"I get into all the astronomy-type stuff," Peterson, who lives in Lakeville, said. "Ever since I retired, it's a fantastic hobby."

Peterson said he carries a pair of binoculars, a small telescope he got at Fleet Farm, and a camera for his astronomy adventures.

"I just saw a meteor-shower a couple weeks ago," he said. "It was fantastic."

Peterson said his favorite vantage point to watch the night-time sky in Lakeville is .

"Great 360-degree views," he said. "It's perfect."

The super moon is the result of a convergence of celestial circumstances, and will create a dramatic effect as the moon rises over the horizon on Saturday. The moon will only be about 220,000 miles from your backyard, so it will appear extra big and extra bright, especially when rising over a backdrop such as your house, a tree, hillside or anything else you can frame in your shot. (For a scientific look at the supermoon from NASA, click on the attached video).

doesn't have the camera-cred or equipment to take (decent) pictures of this stunning phenomenon, but that doens't mean you can't Get creative and show us what you've got. 

Upload your 'supermoon' photos to our Pics & Clips (YouTube videos are always welcome, too). 

What about the weather? Well, it's Minnesota, so the forecast will be different by the time you read this. But odds are good for clear enough skies to be able to view the supermoon in all its hugeness. Want to know more about the mysterious moon? Check out this article.