Rare Super Blue Moon 2023: Know its significance, timing
Attention for skygazers, the rarest of all full moons, the Super Blue Moon, is all set to light up the sky on August 30, 2023.
The Super Blue Moon is a combination of three lunar events occurring at the same time. It’s both a supermoon, meaning that it’s at its closest point to Earth and appears larger and brighter than other full moons, and it’s also a blue moon, meaning it’s the second full moon in a single month.
However, according to NASA, “The older definition of Blue Moon, dating back to at least the 1500s, is the name for the third full Moon in a season with four Moons. By this definition, the full Moon in August 2024 will be the Blue Moon. Neither of these definitions has anything to do with the colour of the Moon.”
The last Super Blue Moon was in August 2021, and the next one won’t occur until 2037. This makes August 30, 2023.
Best Time to watch the Super Blue Moon
On August 30, 2023, at precisely 8:37 p.m. EDT, the Super Blue Moon will reach its maximum brightness. The best way to view it is with a telescope or binoculars so that you can get a close-up look at its unique features.
In London, the moon will rise at 8:08 pm. BST, coinciding with the 7:54 pm. BST sunset. Meanwhile, New York sees the moonrise at 7:45 pm. EDT and moonset at 7:33 pm. EDT, with the full moon shining at 8:37 pm. EDT. In Los Angeles, both moonrise and sunset are at 7:36 pm. PDT, while the full moon graces the sky at 5:37 pm. PDT. On August 31, 2023, expect a 7:52 p.m. BST sunset and 8:24 pm. BST moonrise in London, while the full moon makes its appearance at 1:37 am. BST.
During a total eclipse, the moon passes directly through Earth’s shadow and appears orange in colour. This phenomenon is even more special because it usually only happens during a total lunar eclipse.
Blue moons are a rare occurrence, happening every 2 to 3 years. The last such event took place on August 22, 2021.
