On August 1, 2023, a captivating image was captured of the second supermoon of 2023, also known as the sturgeon moon, rising behind the Cuatro Torres business area in Madrid. This stunning photograph, taken by Javier Soriano, showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the supermoon.
Astrology enthusiasts and idiom aficionados have a special reason to celebrate this week, as a rare blue supermoon will grace the night sky – a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. The moon, our loyal companion in the universe, will shine brighter and appear larger than usual as it reaches its fullest stage on Wednesday. This unique lunar event won’t happen again until 2037, making it a must-see for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this extraordinary phenomenon.
First and foremost, let’s understand what a supermoon is. A supermoon, also known as a perigean full moon, occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth during its orbit. Normally, the moon’s orbit ranges between 226,000 and 251,000 miles from Earth, but there are slight variations that bring it either slightly closer or farther away. Only the closest three or four approaches each year qualify as supermoons. Earlier this month, we witnessed a supermoon on August 2, captivating the world with its grandeur through mesmerizing photographs from various locations such as New York City and South Africa. However, the upcoming supermoon will be even more extraordinary. It will be the biggest and brightest of 2023, as it will be “exceptionally close” to Earth at a distance of 222,043 miles, nearly 17,000 miles closer than average. This means that it will appear approximately 8% larger and 15% brighter than a normal full moon. Dave Teske, the lunar topographic studies coordinator for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers, describes it as a “big and bright and beautiful” sight to behold.
But this supermoon holds an additional surprise. It’s not just any supermoon; it’s a blue supermoon. Contrary to its name, the term “blue moon” has nothing to do with color. It refers to the rarity of having two full moons within a single month due to the moon’s 29.5-day lunar cycle compared to Earth’s 27.3-day orbit around the moon. When this occurrence takes place, we label it as a “blue moon.” Additionally, the term “blue moon” is used differently in astrology to describe the third full moon in an astrological season. The idiom “once in a blue moon” is also derived from this phenomenon, symbolizing a rare but recurring event. However, according to NASA, blue moons are not as rare as their name suggests, occurring every 2.5 years. On the other hand, blue supermoons are far more infrequent. The last one occurred in December 2009, and the next one is not expected until January 2037.
Now, you must be wondering when and where you can witness this exceptional event. The blue supermoon will officially reach its full phase at 9:36 p.m ET on August 30, according to Space.com. However, from Tuesday night to Friday morning, it will appear equally full to the naked eye, with the shaded strip being barely noticeable. To catch a glimpse of an especially large moon, it’s recommended to witness the moonrise in the east or the moonset in the west. During these moments, the moon’s size appears magnified due to a visual illusion called the “moon illusion,” created by the combination of foreground objects and a low-hanging moon. To determine the exact rising and setting times of the moon in your area, you can refer to the U.S. Navy’s Moonrise calendar. While binoculars, a telescope, or an astrophotography lens can enhance your experience of observing the lunar surface in more detail, they are not necessary. Astronomers like Dave Teske advise simply appreciating the breathtaking view of the moon. It’s an opportunity to contemplate the grandeur of this celestial object, considering the recent advancements in lunar exploration and research. Just last week, the Indian Space Agency successfully landed a spacecraft on the moon’s south pole, revealing the presence of frozen water craters that could fuel future missions. These developments, alongside Japan’s near-launch of a moon lander and SpaceX’s collaboration with NASA, demonstrate humanity’s growing interest and potential for lunar exploration. Noah Petro, a research scientist with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, believes events like the blue supermoon foster public engagement and appreciation for the moon, reminding us of its proximity and the possibilities it holds for future endeavors.
However, it’s important to note that this awe-inspiring moon may bring an elevated risk of flooding. If you plan to observe the moon from a beach, it is advisable to check the conditions beforehand. Due to the moon’s close proximity, tides might be higher than usual. The moon’s spring tide during August 30 is expected to exert 48% more tidal force compared to two weeks prior. This could result in coastal flooding, especially along the gulf coast of Florida, coinciding with the arrival of Hurricane Idalia on Wednesday.
So, seize this rare opportunity to witness the wondrous blue supermoon, an event that combines scientific marvel with aesthetic allure. Whether you choose to admire it with the naked eye or explore its features through observation tools, take a moment to bask in the grandeur of our celestial neighbor. The moon, though seemingly distant, remains ever-present and continues to capture our curiosity and imagination.
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