Description:
The Moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical, not a circular, orbit. As a result, its distance from the Earth varies depending on its orbital position. When it is closest to the Earth (perigee) its distance is 225,622 miles. When it is farthest (apogee) its distance is 252,088 miles. Its average distance is 238,657 miles. Note that perigee and apogee both occur twice during a single 29.5-day orbit.
This image was taken when the Moon was 99.5% full, and at a distance of 246,549 miles. Taken with a 4" refractor and Canon DSLR camera (one 1/640 second image).