supermoon
The supermoon raises behind seagulls on the beach in Evanston, Illinois, September 26, 2015. Sky-watchers around the world were treated when the shadow of Earth cast a reddish glow on the moon, the result of rare combination of an eclipse with the closest full moon of the year. The total "supermoon" lunar eclipse, also known as a "blood moon" is one that appears bigger and brighter than usual as it reaches the point in its orbit that is closest to Earth. Jim Young/REUTERS

Neil deGrasse Tyson doesn't see what's so super about supermoons. The famous astrophysicist took to Twitter Sunday to disparage the upcoming supermoon.

“FYI: The very concept of a Super Moon is an embarrassment to everything else we call super: Supernova, Supercollider, Superman, Super Mario Bros,” said Tyson on Twitter.

A supermoon is a full moon that coincides with the earth’s orbit bringing it as close to the moon as the orbit gets. The supermoon appears only slightly larger than a full moon. The next and last supermoon of the year occurs Sunday night.

“If last month’s Full Moon were a 16.0 inch pizza, then this month’s “Super” Moon would be 16.1 inches. I’m just saying,” said Tyson. “If a 16.1 inch pizza is “super" to you, compared with a 16.0 inch pizza, then we have an issue of vocabulary.”

The term supermoon is not an astrological term, but is rooted in astrology, according to Discover Magazine.

“Want another? This month's 'Super Moon' is 1% brighter than last month’s non-Super Moon,” tweeted Tyson continuing his tirade. “And another? For the Super Moon to look big in a picture requires a substantial telephoto lens. Try one with just your smart phone and post it.”

Fore avid moon observers, several supermoons are coming in the near future including one on Jan. 2 and Jan. 31. While supermoons may excite some stargazers, Tyson isn’t one of them.

“Last one…The Super Moon will fit easily in the field of view through a simple drinking straw. Try it,” tweeted Tyson.

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