Monday, August 19, 2024 Tonight, a rare blue supermoon will grace the skies, marking the beginning of a series of extraordinary astronomical events. This rare occurrence happens when a full moon coincides with its closest approach to Earth, creating a supermoon. Additionally, a blue moon, which is the second full moon in a single calendar month or the fourth full moon within a season, will occur.
These events are infrequent, leading to the popular phrase “once in a blue moon,” and they typically happen once every two to three years. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. A blue moon, on the other hand, is not actually blue in color; instead, it refers to the rarity of having two full moons in one month or four full moons in a single season.
The combination of these two phenomena makes tonight’s blue supermoon a particularly special event for skywatchers. The best time to view the blue supermoon is during moonrise, which is the moon’s equivalent of sunrise. Depending on your location, the moonrise will occur at different times: If the skies are clear, the blue supermoon will be visible across the entire UK.
It is recommended to find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon for the best viewing experience. Tonight’s blue supermoon is the first of four consecutive supermoons over the next four months. The subsequent supermoons will occur on: While tonight’s blue supermoon is a rare and spectacular sight, September’s supermoon promises an additional celestial show with the partial lunar eclipse, making it a must-see for astronomy enthusiasts.
In addition to the blue supermoon, wildfires currently raging in the US could add a unique twist to tonight’s event. The dust and smoke particles in the atmosphere may give the moon a reddish hue, adding to the visual spectacle. Although blue moons are not actually blue, the atmospheric conditions could create a rare “blood moon” effect.
Tonight’s blue supermoon offers a rare opportunity to witness an extraordinary astronomical event. Whether you’re an avid skywatcher or just curious about the wonders of the universe, make sure to step outside tonight and enjoy this spectacular sight..
