Super Blue Moon to illuminate night sky on Aug 30, when to watch the spectacle in New York, London & other places
Super Blue Moon. This cosmic occurrence involves the appearance of the second full moon of the month, colloquially known as a «Blue Moon.» While this phenomenon is not a regular event, it takes place every few years due to the moon's approximately 29-day orbit around Earth.
A Super Blue Moon: A Double Delight
What makes this particular Blue Moon truly exceptional is its distinction as the most substantial and brightest "supermoon" of the entire year. The moon follows an elliptical path during its journey around Earth, leading to variations in its distance from our planet. The point nearest to Earth is termed perigee, while the farthest point is referred to as apogee.
A supermoon is defined by a full moon occurring at or near the date of perigee. To be precise, a supermoon takes place when the full moon appears within 90% of its closest proximity to Earth during a given orbit.
Appreciating the Magnitude and Luminosity
While it's unlikely that most observers will discern the slightly larger size of the Super Blue Moon (despite its name, it won't actually appear blue), the increased brightness will certainly capture attention. Supermoons shine around 14% larger and an impressive 30% brighter compared to the moon during apogee. This added radiance is what truly stands out.
Prime Viewing Time for the Super Blue Moon
For the optimal experience of a full moon, it's recommended to observe it as it rises soon after sunset during the dusk hours. The Super Blue Moon will achieve its full illumination at precisely 8:37 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. The evening's most opportune time for moon watching aligns with moonrise, particularly during twilight. An extra treat awaits European viewers, as Thursday, August 31, offers
