Discover when and where to catch the Super Blue Moon of 2023. Witness the beauty of a Blue Moon combined with the unique appeal of a supermoon in this rare celestial event. Don't miss out on this stunning astronomical spectacle
Skywatchers on August 30, 2023, will have the opportunity to witness a dazzling celestial event – the Super Blue Moon. This remarkable phenomenon combines the brilliance of a full moon with the unique appeal of being a "Blue Moon."
Here is when and where you can catch this celestial spectacle:
The upcoming full moon, set to grace the night sky on August 30, will stand out as one of the brightest and largest moons of the entire year. Contrary to its name, the term "Blue Moon" has nothing to do with color. Instead, it refers to the occurrence of a second full moon within a single calendar month. In this case, the August 30 full moon is classified as a Blue Moon because it's the second full moon of the month, following the Full Sturgeon Moon on August 1.
Blue Moon will also be a supermoon which occurs when the moon is positioned closer to Earth during its orbit, resulting in a slightly larger and brighter appearance in the sky. The Super Blue Moon is slated to rise shortly after sunset at 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT) from the eastern horizon.
However, the true magic of this lunar event is set to happen at a later time. At 9:36 p.m. EDT on August 30 (or 0336 GMT on August 31), the moon will reach the exact moment of fullness, positioned directly opposite the sun. This celestial alignment defines the full moon phase. At this juncture, the moon will be situated in the constellation of Aquarius.
For those keen on witnessing this celestial marvel, the Super Blue Moon will set just before sunrise on Thursday, around 6:46 a.m. EDT (1046 GMT). T
It's important to note that not all Blue Moons are supermoons. The distinction lies in the moon's proximity to Earth. The moon's elliptical orbit brings it closer during certain periods (perigee) and farther away during others (apogee). While the difference in appearance between a standard full moon and a supermoon might be subtle to the naked eye, avid skywatchers may notice the moon's slightly enhanced size and brightness.
Super Blue Moons are relatively rare occurrences, often separated by significant spans of time. While two super blue moons can happen within a single month, they can also be separated by up to two decades. According to NASA, the average interval between Super Blue Moons is approximately 10 years.
After this year's Super Blue Moon on August 30, the next occurrence will grace the skies in January 2037, followed by another in March 2037. So, be sure to seize the opportunity to witness this breathtaking celestial phenomenon that offers a glimpse into the wonders of our universe.