'Super moon' to raise tides

An “extreme super moon” will be in effect this weekend, which will raise tides on Longboat Key and possibly create some beach erosion.

An “extreme super moon” is making its first appearance in 18 years. It’s called an “extreme super moon” because the moon is making its closets approach to Earth in 18 years.

The moon will appear about 10% to 15% larger than normal.

But the closer moon will create abnormally high tides from Friday through Sunday, experts say. And the abnormal moon’s creation of high tides could create island beach erosion. Tides will be higher worldwide this weekend.

The best time to view the “extreme super moon” will be at sunset — about 7 p.m. — on Saturday, when it will be closest to the horizon and will appear large and orange. The best way to view it will be with the naked eye, not a telescope. The lunar surface will be too bright to easily discern mountains and craters.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].