Prepare yourself for a remarkable cosmic spectacle, as the super blue moon graces our night sky on August 30th. Join us in delving into the captivating world of the blue moon and its intriguing occurrences.
Super Blue Moon 2023: An Infrequent Delight
This coming August 30th, the rare celestial phenomenon known as the “once in a blue moon” event will unfold in the night sky, inviting you to witness the grandeur of the super blue moon. As we rejoice in the festivities of Raksha Bandhan during the day, the night will unveil the year’s most splendid lunar display. At precisely 9:36 pm ET or 7:06 am IST, the moon will reach its peak brilliance. Despite its name, this lunar marvel won’t cast a blue hue but will instead embrace a captivating shade of orange. Amidst this excitement, a common query arises: What defines a blue moon, and how frequently does this enchanting spectacle grace our heavens? Fear not, for we are here to unveil the answers. Continue reading as we unravel the mysteries of this celestial phenomenon. (Also read: Super Blue Moon 2023: Where and how to witness this extraordinary event)
Decoding the Blue Moon Enigma
The term “blue moon” comes in two distinct variations; however, neither pertains to the moon’s color. According to NASA, a seasonal blue moon is recognized as the third full moon occurring within a season that houses four full moons. This interpretation adheres to the traditional concept of a blue moon. Conversely, a monthly blue moon refers to the second full moon transpiring within a single calendar month and emerged due to a misinterpretation of the initial definition.
In the perspective of Time and Date, the monthly blue moon has gained acceptance as the authentic definition, supplanting the earlier misconception. Nevertheless, the Moon’s complete cycle spans 29.5 days, equivalent to 354 days for twelve full cycles. With a year containing around 366 days, a 13th full moon emerges approximately every two and a half years. This surplus full moon earns the title of a “blue moon” due to its divergence from the conventional nomenclature.
The Rarity of the Blue Moon
The blue moon is indeed a rarity among celestial occurrences. A typical full moon graces our night sky every 29 days. On occasion, a single month may host two full moons, particularly in months with 30 or 31 days. The blue moon, however, makes its appearance only once every two and a half years. Interestingly, an exception occurred in 2018 when two blue moons illuminated the night sky within a mere two-month span, one of which coincided with a lunar eclipse—a truly extraordinary phenomenon! It’s a unique event when a blue moon and a super moon align on the same night; the next such occurrence is slated for January and March 2037, a remarkable 14 years into the future.
