Super Blue Moon 2023: The rare event is set to take place on 30 and 31 August, across the globe.
A "Super Blue Moon" is a term used to describe a rare celestial event that combines three lunar phenomena: a super moon, a blue moon, and a full moon. Let's break down what each of these terms means:
Super moon: A super moon occurs when the moon's orbit brings it closer to Earth than usual, making it appear larger and brighter in the sky. This happens because the moon's orbit is not a perfect circle but slightly elliptical, so its distance from Earth varies. When a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee), it's called a supermoon.
Blue Moon: A blue moon refers to the second full moon that occurs within a calendar month. Normally, a month has only one full moon, but due to the roughly 29.5-day lunar cycle, occasionally a second full moon can occur in a single month. This event is what gave rise to the phrase "once in a blue moon," as it's a relatively rare occurrence.
Full Moon: A full moon happens when the moon is positioned on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, so its entire illuminated side is facing us.
The combination of a super moon and a blue moon is quite rare, and it can result in a particularly impressive and bright full moon. However, it's important to note that the term "blue moon" doesn't actually refer to the moon's color; it's still the usual grayish-white color. The term comes from the phrase "once in a blue moon," which emphasizes the rarity of having two full moons in a single month.
The event you're describing, a "Super Blue Moon," occurring on August 30 and 31, 2023, sounds like it will be a captivating spectacle for sky watchers around the world, as it combines the special qualities of a super moon and a blue moon.
We use the term Blue Moon when we see the full moon twice in a month. Super Blue Moon 2023 coincides with the Hindu festival, Raksha Bandhan. Here are all the important details about it.
