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Supermoon Rising Over Washington DC

Washington DC

2011 Super Moon rising over Washington DC

Events & Happenings
Night Time

Last night (March 19) saw the so-called supermoon of 2011, the biggest full moon since 1993. It passed at its closest point to the earth in 18 years (evidently called the perigee of the orbit), at a mere 221,566 miles (or 356,577 kms), and appeared something like 20 percent brighter and 15 percent larger than a regular full moon.

In the Washington DC area the moonrise happened to coincide with dusk with a cloudless sky. Photographers were out in force–a couple of hundred were positioned at the Netherlands Carillon next to the Iwo Jima Memorial to watch it rise over Washington DC across the Potomac.

Not long after the sun set below the western horizon, the full moon rose almost directly to the east. As it first peaked over the horizon, it was a deep orange-red color, gradually lightening as it rose higher in the sky.

It was a good time to break out the long telephoto lenses and sturdy tripods. These were taken with a Nikon 200-400mm f/4 on a Nikon D300. With the D300’s APC sensor, it was the 35mm equivalent of a 600mm lens. It was also a good time to put The Photographer’s Ephemeris through its paces.

2011 Super Moon starting to rise over Washington DC

2011 Super Moon starting to rise over Washington DC

Washington DC Super Moon rising over the city - portrait

The Next Supermoons

  • November 14, 2016
  • December 3, 2017
  • January 2, 2018
  • January 29, 2019
  • February 19, 2019
  • March 9, 2020
  • April 8, 2020
  • April 27, 2021
  • May 26, 2021

It’s also possible to have a supermoon during a new moon. But I haven’t listed those since they’re not great for taking photos.

There are some handy apps for finding out the times and angles of the moon on any given day.

Nearby & Related:

  • Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
    DC Henge
  • Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
    Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms
  • 06 copyright havecamerawilltravel com 2 - Tiny Planet Photos of Washington DC
    Tiny Planet Photos of Washington DC
  • Lafayette Park and the White House in Snow
    A Washington Winter Wonderland
  • Crowds at Tea Party Rally
    Best Places to Find Out What's Happening in Washington DC
  • DC Cherry Blossom Watch Update - April 4, 2018
    How-to Guide: Close-up Macro of Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms

Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
  • Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit.


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      # Events & Happenings
      # Night Time


About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing Images

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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Photos by David Coleman. Please contact me for licensing images.
All images are registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.


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