Photos: Third and final 'Super Moon' of 2016

Super moon rises over the Puget Sound region on Dec. 13, 2016 (Photo: Meg McDonald / Wild Northwest Beauty Photography)

Tuesday night brought a unique confluence of celestial events -- the December installment of the three "Super Moons" this year and the Geminid Meteor shower.

Lingering clouds and the bright full moon put a damper on the meteor shower, but the moon's rise earlier in the evening didn't disappoint!

This super moon -- so named when the moon makes closer approaches to Earth at the time of its full moon phase -- was the third consecutive month that the full moon is close enough to be considered a super moon.

While the meteor shower peaked Tuesday night, we'll still be able to see a few meteors the rest of this week. Clouds Wednesday night may washout what's there, but clearing skies are likely Thursday night.

But the full moon is a blessing and a curse -- the slightly larger, brighter moon a sight to behold, but it will make it more difficult to spot the meteor shower with the giant spotlight washing out most of the fainter streaks. According to, a super moon is about 30 percent brighter than a moon at its most distant point to Earth. But some Geminids are known for being bright and may overcome the moonlight.

Best chance to see meteors is away form city lights; other than that, just look up. The closer to midnight into the early morning hours the better, with 2 a.m. being the best time (when the constellation Gemini is at its highest point in the sky.)

EarthSky has some additional meteor viewing tips if you're so brave to head out. Just maybe bring that extra batch of hot chocolate along!

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