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The Arrival of the Super Blue Moon: Essential Information
On Friday, July 31, 2015, a photograph was taken of an airplane flying across the second full moon of July in Arlington, Va. The term Blue Moon has become associated with the second of two full moons in a single calendar month in recent times. Historically, it was defined as the third of four full moons within a single season. Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
Three descriptors are being attributed to the Moon on August 30-31, 2023: a full moon, a supermoon, and a blue moon. This combination has led to the name super blue moon. But what does this entail? An explanation is provided below.
What Constitutes a Supermoon?
The Moon’s path around Earth is in an elliptical shape, with our planet positioned closer to one side of the ellipse. During its monthly orbit, the Moon moves to its nearest (perigee) and farthest (apogee) points from Earth. A “supermoon” occurs when the Moon is near or at perigee simultaneously with a full moon. Because of its proximity, the Moon looks particularly large and radiant during this event.
An illustration delineating the Moon’s closest and farthest positions from Earth, when supermoons occur, is available. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
The Definition of a Blue Moon
A blue moon is designated as the occurrence of two full moons within the same month. The lunar cycle is roughly 29.5 days, marginally shorter than most calendar months, eventually leading to two full moons in a single month. This phenomenon occurs approximately every two to three years.
There are two recognized blue moons: monthly and seasonal. The imminent moon falls under the monthly category. Seasonal blue moons take place when a season experiences four full moons rather than the standard three.
A photograph of the Moon rising over the Syr Darya river in Baikonur, Kazakhstan on November 13, 2016, is available. Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
Will the Moon Actually Appear Blue?
The term blue moon refers to the occurrence, not the color. The Moon does not actually appear blue.
Can the Moon Ever Look Blue?
In rare circumstances, small airborne particles such as smoke or dust can scatter red wavelengths of light, causing a blue appearance of the Moon.
Will the Moon Appear More Substantial and More “Super?”
The size difference might not be very noticeable. A supermoon is about 14 percent larger than when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth. Its proximity to Earth during this event makes it look slightly brighter than usual.
Do Blue Moons and Supermoons Always Happen Simultaneously?
No, supermoons occur three to four times a year, while only 3 percent of full moons are blue moons. Super blue moons are even rarer, occurring roughly every 10 years, though the timing can be irregular. The subsequent super blue moons will appear in January and March 2037.
Is It Worth Observing Even if It’s Not Blue or Larger in Size?
The Moon is always an appealing celestial body to observe. NASA’s Daily Moon Guide provides suggestions on particular lunar features to look for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Super Blue Moon
Certainly, here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the text:
What is a Super Blue Moon?
A Super Blue Moon refers to a full moon that is both a supermoon and a blue moon. It occurs when the Moon is at or near its closest point to Earth during a full moon (supermoon) and is the second full moon in a single calendar month (blue moon). The next occurrence is scheduled for August 30-31, 2023.
What is the Difference Between a Supermoon and a Regular Full Moon?
A supermoon appears especially large and bright in the sky as it is closer to Earth than usual. Specifically, it looks about 14 percent bigger than when it’s at its farthest point from Earth.
What Does the Term “Blue Moon” Mean?
A blue moon refers to the occurrence of two full moons within the same calendar month. It happens every two to three years, and it does not imply that the Moon appears blue in color.
Will the Super Blue Moon Actually Appear Blue in Color?
No, the term “blue” in “blue moon” is not related to the color. However, on rare occasions, the Moon can appear blue due to the scattering of red wavelengths by airborne particles.
How Often Do Super Blue Moons Occur?
Super Blue Moons are irregular and can occur as much as 20 years apart, but on average, they happen roughly every 10 years. The next ones are planned for January and March 2037.
Is it Worth Observing the Super Blue Moon if It’s Not Actually Blue or Larger?
Yes, the Moon is always a captivating celestial object to observe, and its close proximity during a supermoon makes it appear slightly brighter. NASA’s Daily Moon Guide offers specific viewing recommendations.
More about Super Blue Moon
- NASA’s Official Website
- Guide to Lunar Phases
- Daily Moon Guide by NASA
- Explanation of Supermoons
- Understanding Blue Moons
- Upcoming Astronomical Events
5 comments
What’s next, green moons? 🙂 Jokes aside, its good to see such a detailed writeup about the moon and its phases. Keep it up!
Wow this is amazing, I never knew about super blue moons. Cant wait to see it on Aug 30!
Supermoon, bluemoon, so many terms to learn! I’m still confused about the blue part of the moon but hey its still beautiful, right?
is it really true that the moon can appear blue sometimes? never heard of that, sounds a bit far fetched to me. But im curious.
I’ll definitely check out NASA’s Daily Moon Guide. always loved looking at the moon through my telescope. Thanks for the info!