Skywatchers across the United States are in for an unforgettable treat on Monday night, August 21, 2023. The night will bring a rare and dazzling celestial event known as a “super blue moon.”
This rare phenomenon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for stargazers to witness a unique alignment of two extraordinary lunar events—a supermoon and a blue moon.
A super blue moon is not just a visually stunning occurrence; it’s also a rare astronomical event that results from the perfect alignment of lunar cycles. This fascinating display will not be seen again for many years, making it a must-see for both amateur and professional astronomers alike.
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To understand the rarity and beauty of this celestial event, let’s break down the science behind the super blue moon and what makes it so special.
A super blue moon is the result of two different lunar phenomena happening at the same time. The first is the “supermoon,” which occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. The second is the “blue moon,” which happens when a season has four full moons instead of the usual three or when two full moons occur in the same calendar month. Combining these two events results in a super blue moon.
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The last time the world witnessed a super blue moon was many years ago, and the next one won’t occur until January 2037, according to NASA predictions. The rarity of this event adds to its appeal, as skywatchers know it may be decades before they can witness something like it again.
What exactly is a supermoon? According to NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter project scientist Noah Petro, a supermoon is a full moon that appears larger and brighter than usual. This happens because the moon is at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee. When the moon is at perigee, it can appear up to 30% brighter and 14% larger than a typical full moon. This makes the supermoon a striking sight in the night sky, as the moon looms larger than life.
The term “supermoon” was first coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. While the supermoon is a visual feast for the eyes, the exact criteria for what qualifies as a supermoon can differ depending on the source.
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Nonetheless, when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth and is also full, it is widely considered a supermoon.
Now, what about the blue moon? The definition of the blue moon is a bit more complicated. There are actually two different types of blue moons. The first is a seasonal blue moon, which happens when there are four full moons in a single season instead of the usual three.
In this case, the third full moon in the season is referred to as the blue moon. The second type of blue moon occurs when there are two full moons within a single calendar month.
The blue moon set to occur on Monday is of the seasonal variety. This happens when four full moons occur within the summer season, and the third one is labeled as the blue moon. This is a rare event, given the lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days long, typically resulting in only three full moons per season.
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The combination of these two rare events—a supermoon and a blue moon—creates the superblue moon, an event that captures the attention of astronomers and casual skywatchers alike. The rarity of the super blue moon is due to the fact that the alignment of the supermoon and blue moon does not happen often.
While blue moons occur once every two to three years, a super blue moon can be even rarer, occurring roughly once every decade. In some instances, the time between super blue moons can stretch to as long as 20 years.
This celestial event presents an excellent opportunity for photography, stargazing, and simply appreciating the wonders of our universe. The moon will appear bigger, brighter, and more captivating than ever, making it a perfect night to get outside and take in the spectacular view. Whether you live in a bustling city or a rural area with less light pollution, this is an event that can be enjoyed by all.
If you miss Monday’s super blue moon, you may have to wait until January 2037 to see the next one. While there may be other supermoons or blue moons in the interim, the specific alignment that creates a super blue moon is exceptionally rare.
As the countdown begins for this breathtaking event, here are a few frequently asked questions to help you prepare for the super blue moon.
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FAQs on Super Blue Moon
Is a super blue moon actually blue?
Despite the name, a super blue moon does not appear blue in color. The term “blue moon” does not refer to the moon’s color but rather its rarity. However, there have been instances when the moon has taken on a blue hue, usually due to atmospheric particles from volcanic eruptions or wildfires. These events are exceedingly rare, and the moon will likely appear its usual bright white or yellowish color during the super blue moon.
How rare is a super blue moon?
According to NASA, a blue moon occurs approximately once every two to three years. The convergence of a blue moon with a supermoon is far rarer, with occurrences happening roughly once every decade. The next super blue moon won’t happen until 2037, making Monday night’s event a must-see for skywatchers.
What time should I watch the super blue moon?
The best time to view the super blue moon is after moonrise on Monday night. The moon will be closest to Earth and appear largest in the sky just as it begins to rise. Be sure to check your local moonrise times to get the best view of the event.
