Last night must have been a special occasion for astronomers all over the world, as it was the best full moon they got this year. In more precise terms, Earth’s natural satellite was 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the more shabby looking versions we see in most nights.

This happened because the orbit described by the moon around our planetary crib is an imperfect circle; so, during its 29.5 day journey around the Earth, there is a point where it’s farthest from us, and another where it’s closest. Last night coincided with the latter occasion.

To be more precise, the moon got as close as 356,567 km from our earthling noses, whereas the average distance that separates us from it is 384,400 km. In spite of last night’s more intimate moments between our planet and its neighbor, everybody knows they’re just good friends.

Still, this event is more special than others of its kind that happened over the course of time. After all, perigee (smallest distance between moon and Earth) and apogee (greatest distance between the two) usually each take place once a month and the moon can be in different phases during these.  The special thing about last night is that we experienced a full moon perigee cocktail, and that’s not a typical occurrence, according to Ed Krupp, who is director of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, as quoted by National Geographic.

The last time the moon got so close to us was in 1993 (356.566 km) so we’ve just gone through a reasonably momentous occasion. And, if you’re wondering when the next apogee happens, that’s scheduled for December 26, the scientists’ bets being on a distance of 406,601 km.