A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, called perigee. This event causes the Moon to appear up to about 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point (apogee)

. Supermoons typically happen three to four times a year, often consecutively over several months. This is because the Moon's orbit and Earth's orbit cause the timing of perigee and full moon to overlap only a few times annually

. The cycle of supermoons follows an approximate yearly pattern tied to the alignment of the lunar phases and perigee. The closest full supermoon recurs roughly every 14 lunar months (about 1 year, 1 month, and 18 days), due to the near match between 14 synodic months (full moon to full moon) and 15 anomalistic months (perigee to perigee)

. In summary:

• Supermoons occur about 3 to 4 times per year.
• They often appear in consecutive months.
• The closest supermoon repeats on a cycle of approximately 14 lunar months.

This pattern means supermoons are relatively frequent but not monthly events because the Moon's elliptical orbit and the timing of full moons rarely align perfectly every month