A rare celestial event known as a super blue moon is set to occur on Monday night over the U.S. This phenomenon happens when a full moon coincides with both a supermoon (when the moon is closest to Earth) and a blue moon (the third of four full moons in a season). The combination of these different lunar cycles aligning on the calendar makes the event unique and rare.
The term supermoon was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and occurs when the moon is closer to Earth, making it appear brighter and larger than usual. A blue moon, on the other hand, can be of the seasonal variety, when there are four full moons in one season, or the monthly variety, when there are two full moons in one calendar month. Blue moons are considered rare due to the irregularities in the moon’s cycle and the varying number of days in different months.
The upcoming super blue moon is expected to be a breathtaking sight, with the moon appearing 30% brighter and 14% larger than a typical full moon. While the moon itself may not actually appear blue, the term blue moon has become synonymous with rarity and uniqueness in the context of lunar events.
The next super blue moon is projected to occur in January 2037, with an average interval of around 10 years between these occurrences. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the definitions used for supermoons and blue moons. Regardless, this Monday’s event is a noteworthy occurrence that skywatchers may want to catch a glimpse of.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com