A Bright Spot in the Sky: The Blue Supermoon of August
Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, as a spectacular celestial event is set to grace the night sky – a Blue Supermoon. While experts may have varying opinions on what exactly constitutes a supermoon, this last full moon of the summer is meeting all the criteria to be called one.
What is a Supermoon, and Why “Blue”?
A supermoon occurs when the moon comes closest to Earth in its orbit, a point known as perigee. This Wednesday, the moon will be around 222,043 miles away, according to calculations by retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak. At this distance, the moon will shine about 7% larger than a regular full moon, though this difference might not be easily noticeable to the naked eye.
Now, about that “blue” part. Don’t be misled by the name – a Blue Supermoon isn’t blue. Instead, the term “blue moon” refers to an uncommon occurrence, much like the phrase “once in a blue moon” implies. In this context, a blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. The first full moon in August happened on the 1st, and this upcoming full moon on Wednesday will be the second for the month. It’s a fascinating naming convention tied to timing rather than hue.
Rare Synchronicity: Blue Supermoons
Supermoons aren’t particularly rare; we get to witness about three or four of them each year. However, a Blue Supermoon, where a supermoon and a blue moon coincide, is a rarer phenomenon, happening roughly every 10 to 20 years. The next chance to witness this captivating event won’t come until 2037, as predicted by NASA.
A Glimpse into the Past: When the Moon Turned Blue
While the moon usually isn’t blue, history tells us that it’s not an entirely implausible occurrence. Back in 1883, the eruption of Krakatau, a volcanic island, had a profound impact on the moon’s appearance. The volcanic eruption released sulfur dioxide and ash into the atmosphere, causing the moon to take on a bluish tint. The particles in the air blocked red light, allowing other hues to filter through. Similarly, forest fires can have a similar effect, altering the moon’s color temporarily.
Wrap-Up
So, whether you’re an avid stargazer or just curious about the cosmos, Wednesday’s Blue Supermoon is an event you won’t want to miss. It’s a fascinating convergence of orbital mechanics and celestial timing that adds a touch of wonder to our night sky. Just remember, despite the name, the moon won’t be blue – but it’s bound to leave a lasting impression nonetheless.
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