Rare super blue moon to grace the sky during Raksha Bandhan festivities; All you need to know
Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat on August 19 as a rare super blue moon graces the night sky. This extraordinary event, one of the brightest and largest moons of 2024, combines the phenomena of a supermoon and a blue moon, making it a unique sight.
It's worth noting that sometimes the moon can appear larger due to an optical illusion known as the «moon illusion.» When the moon is near the horizon, it can seem larger because our brains compare it to nearby objects like buildings or trees. When the moon is high in the sky, there are no such reference points, making it appear smaller.
What Is a Super Blue Moon?
A super blue moon is a combination of three lunar phenomena: a full moon, a blue moon, and a supermoon. The term «blue moon» refers to the third full moon in a season with four full moons, or the second full moon in a calendar month. This August's blue moon falls under the seasonal definition. It will not appear blue in color; the term «blue moon» is a misnomer, as its name derives from a historical misinterpretation of the lunar cycle.
Retired NASA Program Executive Gordon Johnston explained, «Although it will not look blue, as the third full moon in a season with four full moons, this will be a Blue Moon. The first recorded use of 'Blue Moon' in English dates from 1528.»
How to View the Super Blue Moon
The super blue moon will be visible on August 19 at 11:56 PM IST and will remain full in the sky for the next three days. To get the best view, find a location with minimal light pollution and a
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