Astrophysicist Dr. Paul Strøm, Assistant Professor, University of Warwick, said:

“The moon orbits the Earth on a slightly elliptic orbit (think of a slightly flattened circle or oval). This means that sometimes the moon is a bit closer to us and sometimes a bit further away. At the same time the moon goes through different phases (the shape of the sunlit part of the moon) as it orbits the Earth. A few times a year, it just so happens that we have a new moon which coincides with the moon being at a point in its orbit when it is closer to us. That is when people call it a super new moon."

“Given that the elliptic orbit of the moon is actually quite circular, the difference in apparent size and brightness of that moon is not as big as you may think, and so the difference between a super new moon and a regular new moon is not that different. Despite this, it is my experience that people are usually not disappointed when they take the time from their busy schedules to go out and observe the moon. I think that many are drawn to the allure of the moon, perhaps because it serves as a poignant reminder of the vastness of our world and the exquisite beauty inherent in nature.”