Super Blue Moon 2023: A Rare and Spectacular Sight 🌕

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18 Aug 2023

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Have you ever heard of the term “blue moon”? No, it’s not about the color of the moon, but rather a rare occurrence of two full moons in a single month. And this month, we are lucky enough to witness not only a blue moon, but also a supermoon!

That means the moon will be closer to Earth than usual, making it appear larger and brighter in the night sky. This is a very special event that you don’t want to miss!

What is a blue moon? 🌚

A blue moon is a phenomenon when an additional full moon appears in a subdivision of a year - the third of four full moons in a season, or the second of two full moons in a month. The moon’s cycle is 29.5 days, so just a bit shorter than the average length of a calendar month. Eventually that gap results in a full moon happening at the beginning of a month with enough days still remaining for another full cycle ― so a second full moon in the same month. This happens every two to three years.

There are two types of blue moons: monthly and seasonal. A monthly blue moon is when we see two full moons in one calendar month. A seasonal blue moon is when we see four full moons in one season (spring, summer, fall and winter) instead of the usual three. The upcoming blue moon on August 31, 2023 is a monthly blue moon, as it follows the previous full moon on August 1, 2023.

What is a supermoon? 🌝

A supermoon is when a full moon coincides with perigee, the point in the moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth. The moon travels around our planet in an elliptical orbit, or an elongated circle, with Earth closer to one side of the ellipse. Each month, the moon passes through the point closest to Earth (perigee) and the point farthest from Earth (apogee). When the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth at the same time as it is full, it is called a “supermoon.”

During this event, because the full moon is a little bit closer to us than usual, it appears especially large and bright in the sky. The average distance to the moon is 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers), but this time the moon will be 221,942 miles (357,181 kilometers) away. That means the moon will look about 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than when it is farthest from Earth.

When and where to see the super blue moon? 🌎

The super blue moon will rise on the night of August 30, 2023 at 9:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. However, the best time to see it is when it is near the horizon, as it will appear even larger due to an optical illusion known as the "moon illusion". The moon illusion makes the moon seem bigger when it is low in the sky because we compare it to objects on the ground, such as trees or buildings.

The super blue moon will be visible from most parts of the world, except for Australia and parts of Asia where it will already be September 1. You can use this Moon Calculator to find out the exact time and direction of the moonrise and moonset for your location.

On the same day as the super blue moon, you can also enjoy another celestial treat: a close encounter between the moon and Saturn. The ringed planet will be just below and to the left of the moon as they rise together in the evening sky. You can use binoculars or a telescope to get a better view of Saturn’s rings and moons.

Why is it special? 🌟

The super blue moon is a rare and spectacular sight that you don’t want to miss. It combines two phenomena that make the moon more impressive than usual: its size and its frequency. It is not often that we get to see two full moons in one month, let alone two supermoons. The last time this happened was in January 2018, and the next time will be in January and March 2037.

The super blue moon also has some cultural and historical significance. Many cultures have given names to different full moons based on their seasons or events. For example, some Native American tribes called the August full moon the Sturgeon Moon, because sturgeon fish were more easily caught at this time of year. Other names for this month’s full moon include Grain Moon, Green Corn Moon, Fruit Moon and Barley Moon.

Some people also believe that the super blue moon has some mystical or astrological effects. For instance, some claim that the super blue moon can enhance intuition, creativity, emotions and spirituality. Others say that the super blue moon can bring changes, opportunities, challenges and surprises. Whether you believe in these claims or not, the super blue moon is certainly a beautiful and inspiring sight to behold.

How to enjoy the super blue moon? 🌛

The best way to enjoy the super blue moon is to go outside and look up at the night sky. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to appreciate its beauty and wonder. However, if you want to make the most of this experience, here are some tips and suggestions:

Find a dark and clear spot away from city lights and pollution. This will help you see the moon and the stars more clearly and vividly.
Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. You don’t want to miss the super blue moon because of clouds or rain, or because you are too cold or hot.
Bring a camera or a smartphone to capture the moment. You can use a tripod or a selfie stick to stabilize your device and avoid blurry photos. You can also use some apps or settings to adjust the exposure, focus and zoom of your camera.
Invite your friends or family to join you. The super blue moon is a great opportunity to share a memorable and meaningful experience with your loved ones. You can also have fun by playing games, telling stories, making wishes or expressing gratitude.
Learn more about the moon and its phases. You can use some online resources or books to find out more about the science, history and culture of the moon. You can also use some apps or websites to track the moon’s position, phase and distance.

Conclusion 🌜

The super blue moon is a rare and spectacular sight that you don’t want to miss. It is a combination of two phenomena that make the moon more impressive than usual: its size and its frequency. It is also a chance to enjoy a close encounter between the moon and Saturn in the night sky. The super blue moon is a beautiful and inspiring sight that can enhance your appreciation and curiosity of the natural world.

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the super blue moon. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me. I would love to hear from you.

And now, I have a question for you: What are you going to do on the night of the super blue moon? How are you going to celebrate this special event? Let me know in the comments below.

References

Rare Blue Moon Sighting This Month. Why It Is Special. | NDTV Science
Super Blue Moons: Your Questions Answered – Moon | NASA Science
The August Blue Moon 2023 is the biggest and brightest moon this year | Space.com
Catch a Super Blue Moon in August 2023 | timeanddate.com
August Blue Moon is also a supermoon: When to watch and what to expect | Indian Express
August Super Blue Moon guide 2023: The biggest and brightest moon of the year snuggles up to Saturn | MSN

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