Article Posted on : - Mar 09, 2011

A file photo.

LONDON (PTI): The world could be in for a bumpy ride next week when the moon will make its closest approach to Earth in almost 20 years, say experts.

According to them, the astronomical event -- "extreme supermoon" -- may trigger earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other disasters.

An "extreme supermoon" occurs when the Earth's natural satellite reaches its absolute closest point. On March 19, the moon will be only 221,556 miles away - the first extreme super -moon in nearly 20 years.

Previous supermoons - or "lunar perigees" - happened in 1955, 1974, 1992 and 2005. Each year had extreme weather events.

However, TV weatherman John Kettley was quoted by the media as saying, "A moon can't cause a geological event like an earthquake, but it will cause a difference to the tide. If that combines with certain weather conditions, then that could cause a few problems for coastal areas."