On March 19, 2011 the Moon passed by Earth at a distance of 356,577 kilometers (221,567 miles) – the closest pass in 18 years. Perigee is the closest point the moon will be to the earth and it is in this stage that the moon appears larger. The last full Moon so big and close to Earth occurred in March of 1993. This full Moon occurs less than one hour away from perigee--a near-perfect coincidence that happens every 18 years or so. A perigee full Moon brings with it extra-high tides. In most places, lunar gravity at perigee pulls tide waters only a few centimeters (an inch or so) higher than usual.