'Supermoon' and Star Trails Shine On Flower Fields (Photo)

The “Supermoon” of May 2012 illuminates star trails over a rapeseed field in the village of Hidegkut, Hungary. The image was captured by astrophotographer Tamas Ladanyi, also featured in the photo. CREDIT: Tamas Ladanyi/ Astrophoto.hu/ TWAN View full size image

The so-called "Supermoon of 2012" illuminates this image of star trails over a field of flowers in this spectacular skywatching photo.

Astrophotographer Tamas Ladanyi of The World at Night, featured in the photo, took this image in May 2012 from the village of Hidegkut in Veszprem, Hungary.

"I made this unusual self-portrait when I was watching the setting of Venus over the flower field," Ladanyi added. [Photos: The Supermoon of 2012]

Which of these lunar displays is your favorite skywatching treat?

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According to NASA officials, the orb appeared around 14 percent bigger than other full moons of 2012. These types of events occur when the moon reaches perigee—the closest point to the Earth. The moon was about 221,802 miles (356,955 kilometers) from Earth at the time. The moon is usually about 230,000 miles (384,400 km) away from Earth.

Editor's note: If you have an amazing skywatching photo you'd like to share for a possible story or image gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com.

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Moon Master: An Easy Quiz for Lunatics

For most of human history, the moon was largely a mystery. It spawned awe and fear and to this day is the source of myth and legend. But today we know a lot about our favorite natural satellite. Do you?

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