Rare “Super Blue Moon” to Grace the Skies at the End of August
As the month of August draws to a close, sky gazers are in for a celestial treat with a rare phenomenon known as a “super blue moon.” This extraordinary event occurs when the moon appears full for the second time in a calendar month, transforming it into a blue moon. But that’s not all – this full moon will also qualify as a supermoon, as its occurrence coincides with the moon reaching its closest point to Earth.
The combination of a blue moon and a supermoon is an exceptionally rare occurrence, with only about 3% of full moons being blue moons and 25% qualifying as supermoons. If you miss this astrological wonder, you’ll have to wait until January and March of 2037 for the next opportunity to witness such an event.
Supermoons, like the one set to grace the skies at the end of August, have the potential to appear more brilliant and appear approximately 14% larger than full moons observed at a greater distance from Earth. This visual spectacle is a result of the moon’s proximity to our planet, making it a must-see for avid stargazers and casual observers alike.
Mark your calendars for August 30 when the super blue moon will make its appearance. It is expected to rise at approximately 8:24 p.m. ET and reach peak fullness at 9:36 p.m. ET. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, this will be the closest, biggest, and brightest full supermoon of the entire year, so make sure to find a clear spot to witness this breathtaking sight.
Don’t despair if you miss out on this rare event, as there is still one more supermoon scheduled for this year. On September 29, the final supermoon of 2023 will grace the night sky, providing one last opportunity to marvel at the celestial wonder that is the supermoon.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed by nature’s spectacular display of the super blue moon. Whether you’re an avid astronomer or simply enjoy observing the beauty of the night sky, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
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