There is an excellent opportunity on the horizon to capture a celestial phenomenon with your eyes. The blue moon, which is used as a synonym for rare and precious occurrences, is going to take place this week. Here’s everything you need to know about the Super Blue Moon of 2023, including when, where, and how you can watch it.
What is a Blue Moon?
The celestial event immortalized with the saying ‘once in a blue moon‘ is actually two different facets of Earth’s satellite. However, neither is named after its color or appearance. As per NASA, the seasonal blue moon is basically the third full moon during a season of four full moons.
- A monthly blue moon relates to the second full moon in a single month. The origins of this second or monthly blue moon are considered a misinterpretation of the seasonal blue moon. However, it has found a space for itself over the years and is no longer considered a misconception.
- Despite that, this event is a rare one. The moon takes about 29.5 days to complete all of its phases. It takes 354 days for it to complete twelve cycles. As the calendar year has 365 days (366 in a leap year), the 13th moon is a rarity in the night sky. This moon is the blue moon, which only happens once in two and a half years.
When to watch the Super Blue Moon 2023?
The Super Blue Moon of 2023 will happen on the night of August 30 (USA) and the early hours of August 31 in the East. It will flourish at 9:36 pm ET and appear sort of orange-hued, unlike its name. It is a rare phenomenon as a month usually has one full moon day and then one no-moon day. The additional full moon sometimes follows in the same calendar month but only every two and a half years.
- Previously, in 2018, this celestial event became even more special when two blue moons occurred together, one of which was a lunar eclipse. This year’s blue moon is rarer as it co-occurs with a Super Moon, which only happens every ten years.
- If you miss the chance to witness the Super Blue Moon of 2023 on August 30/31, you will have to wait 14 years, until January and March of 2037, to catch it again. So mark your calendars to get a glimpse of this rare and memorable event.
Where and how to watch the rare moon 2023?
The Super Blue Moon of 2023 will be visible in the night sky on the full moon of August 30/31. It will be visible from everywhere as long as the sky is clear. Although, it will look just as precious if it peaks in between clouds.
- The best time to view it is right after sunset, when it can shine in its glory with a soft orange hue. You can view it through a telescope or binoculars. However, it will also be visible to the naked eye, so as long as you take a moment to look up at the sky, you can witness this phenomenon.
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