How rare is the Super Blue Moon?
On August 30th, 2023, skywatchers worldwide will be treated to a rare celestial event: the Super Blue Moon. This event combines two lunar phenomena: a supermoon and a blue moon. But just how rare is this event? Let’s explore the rarity of the Super Blue Moon.
What is a Super Blue Moon?
Before we dive into the rarity of the Super Blue Moon, let’s first understand what it is. A Super Blue Moon occurs when a full moon coincides with two unique lunar phenomena: a supermoon and a blue moon.
A supermoon is a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. A blue moon, on the other hand, is the second full moon in a calendar month. Most months have only one full moon, but every two to three years, a month will have two full moons. When this happens, the second full moon is called a blue moon.
How rare is the Super Blue Moon?
The Super Blue Moon is a rare event that occurs about once every 19 years. This is because the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, which is slightly shorter than the average month of 30 or 31 days. As a result, there are usually only enough days in a month for one full moon. However, every two to three years, a month will have 31 days, which allows for two full moons. This is why a blue moon occurs about once every two to three years.
On the other hand, a supermoon occurs about once every 14 months, on average. This is because the moon’s orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse. This means that the distance between the moon and Earth varies throughout the month, and when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit (perigee), it appears larger and brighter than usual.
When a blue moon and a supermoon occur at the same time, it is a rare event that only happens about once every 19 years. The last time a Super Blue Moon occurred was on January 31st, 2018, and the next one will occur on May 31st, 2037.
Conclusion
The Super Blue Moon is a rare event that combines two unique lunar phenomena : the supermoon and the blue moon. It occurs about once every 19 years, making it a special event for skywatchers around the world. During a Super Blue Moon, the moon appears larger and brighter than usual, creating a beautiful sight in the night sky.
If you are interested in viewing the Super Blue Moon, mark your calendars for August 30th, 2023. To get the best view, find a dark location away from city lights, and watch during the moonrise or moonset. You can also use binoculars or a telescope to closely examine the moon’s surface.
In conclusion, the Super Blue Moon is a rare and beautiful event that combines the supermoon and the blue moon. It occurs about once every 19 years, making it a special event for skywatchers around the world. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness this rare event on August 30th, 2023.
