The Moon of August 30-31, 2023, is a full moon, a supermoon, and finally a blue moon. Therefore, you’ll hear it referred to as a super blue moon as a result. Note that a “Blue Moon” has nothing to do with its color. Photographers often use filters and other techniques to capture beautiful images of the full moon in blue or other colors.
The Next Full Moon is a Supermoon, a Blue Moon, and Rakhi Purnima.
The next full Moon will be Wednesday night, August 30, 2023, appearing opposite the Sun (in Earth-based longitude) at 9:36 p.m. EDT. The planet Saturn, just a few days from its closest and brightest for the year, will appear near the Moon. As evening twilight ends (at 8:42 p.m.) Saturn will be 5 degrees to the upper right of the Moon, and will appear to swing clockwise around the Moon as the evening progresses. The Moon will appear full for 3 days around the peak of the full Moon, from Tuesday night to Friday morning.
Have questions? See the Super Blue Moon FAQ.
This full Moon will be the second full Moon in August, making it a Blue Moon by the newer definition introduced by Sky & Telescope magazine in 1946. The older definition of Blue Moon, dating back to at least the 1500s, is the name for the third full Moon in a season that has four Moons. By this definition, the full Moon in August 2024 will be the Blue Moon and this full Moon, as the last full Moon of summer, shares some of the seasonal names from my posting for the August 1 full Moon. Neither of these definitions has anything to do with the color of the Moon, so the Blue Moon will not actually look blue. See this article to learn about a time when the Moon actually turned blue!
This full Moon corresponds with the Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi or Rakhi Purnima, celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. One of the traditions is for sisters of all ages to tie a rakhi (a cotton bracelet) around their brother’s wrist, receiving a gift from the brother in return, as a sign of the continuing bond between them. The term “Raksha Bandhan” translates as “the bond of protection, obligation, or care.”
In many traditional lunisolar and lunar calendars the full Moons fall near the middle of the lunar months. This full Moon is in the middle of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, Safar in the Islamic calendar, and Elul in the Hebrew calendar. Elul is a time of preparation for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Customs include granting and asking others for forgiveness as well as beginning or ending all letters with the wish that the recipient will have a good year.
As usual, the wearing of suitably celebratory celestial attire is encouraged in honor of the full Moon. Take care of your siblings, let go of grudges, and here’s wishing you a good year!
A Super Blue Moon is a rare astronomical event where a full moon coincides with the moon being at its closest point to Earth (perigee) and is also the third full moon in a season.
Key Points About the Super Blue Moon:
Rarity: This celestial phenomenon is relatively uncommon.
Appearance: Despite the name, the moon won't actually appear blue. The term "blue moon" simply refers to the second full moon in a calendar month.
Size and Brightness: As a supermoon, it will appear larger and brighter than usual due to its proximity to Earth.
Best Viewing: While no special equipment is required, the moon's beauty can be enhanced with binoculars or a telescope. Find a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing.
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FAQs about the Super Blue Moon
What is a Super Blue Moon?
A Super Blue Moon is a rare celestial event that combines three lunar phenomena:
- Supermoon: This occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee), making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
- Blue Moon: This is the popular term for the second full moon in a calendar month. It's important to note that the moon doesn't actually turn blue in color.
- Full Moon: This is the lunar phase when the Earth is positioned directly between the sun and the moon.
How rare is a Super Blue Moon?
Super Blue Moons are quite rare. While supermoons occur about three to four times a year and blue moons happen every two to three years, the combination of both is much less frequent. The last Super Blue Moon occurred in August 2021, and the next one won't be until 2037.
Why does the moon appear larger during a supermoon?
The moon's orbit around Earth is elliptical, not circular. When the moon is closest to Earth (perigee), it appears larger and brighter in the sky compared to when it's farthest away (apogee). This difference in size can be noticeable, especially when compared to photos taken when the moon is at its farthest point.
Will the moon actually look blue during a Blue Moon?
No, the term "Blue Moon" is simply a way to describe the second full moon in a calendar month. The moon's color won't change during this time.
Is there any special significance to a Super Blue Moon?
While there's no scientific significance, Super Blue Moons often hold cultural and spiritual importance for many people. It's a unique astronomical event that provides a wonderful opportunity for observation and appreciation of the night sky.
When is the next Super Blue Moon?
The next Super Blue Moon will occur in January and March 2037.
How can I best observe a Super Blue Moon?
To enjoy the Super Blue Moon, find a location with minimal light pollution. While you can see it with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience. Consider taking photos or simply relaxing and enjoying the celestial spectacle.
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