Super Blue Moon 2023: Last Chance to Witness Rare Celestial Event Until 2037
On August 31, 2023, sky-gazers will have the opportunity to witness a rare celestial event known as the Super Blue Moon. This event will be the biggest supermoon of the year and the second one to grace our skies in August. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth during its orbit, making it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual.
What makes this Super Blue Moon of August 2023 even more special is that it will be the last of its kind until 2037. So, for those who are passionate about celestial phenomena, this is their last chance to witness this spectacular event for the next 14 years.
According to NASA, the Super Blue Moon will appear opposite the Sun in Earth-based longitude at 9:36 pm EDT on August 30. It will illuminate the night sky and share its space with Saturn, which will be at its closest and brightest for the year just a few days later. Saturn will be located five degrees to the upper right of the Moon after 8:42 pm EDT on August 30 and will appear to move in a clockwise direction around the Moon during the evening of August 31. This unique alignment will provide sky-watchers with an incredible sight.
What sets the Super Blue Moon apart is its occurrence as the second full Moon in a single month, making it a Blue Moon. This term, referring to something rare or unusual, is used to describe events that happen infrequently. Normally, there is only one full Moon per month, as a lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days. When there are two full Moons in the same month, it is considered a rare occurrence, hence the term once in a blue moon.
The Super Blue Moon of August 2023 also holds the nickname Sturgeon Moon. Long ago, during this time of the year, sturgeon fish used to be abundant in the Great Lakes, giving rise to this designation.
In the past, the definition of a Blue Moon varied. In the 1500s, it referred to the third full Moon in an astronomical season that had four full Moons. However, since 1946, Sky & Telescope magazine introduced a new definition: the second full Moon occurring in a particular month. This is the definition we use today.
On the evening of August 31, several celestial bodies will grace the night sky. In addition to the Super Blue Moon, Saturn, Mars, and Vega will be visible. Vega, the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, will be located above the Moon. Meanwhile, Jupiter and Venus will be visible on the morning of September 1, alongside the bright star Capella.
While the Super Blue Moon of August 2023 is the last supermoon this year, the next one is scheduled for September 18, 2024. Blue Moons generally occur once every two to three years. However, there is a phenomenon called a Double Blue Moon, where January and March have a Blue Moon each, while February has no full Moon. This unusual occurrence happens only about three to five times a century. The last Double Blue Moon occurred in 2018, and we will have to wait until 2037 for the next one.
The Super Blue Moon also holds cultural significance. In various calendars, it aligns with important festivals and events. For example, it coincides with Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi Purnima, in some regions. Additionally, lunar calendars often associate full Moons with specific parts of their months.
The Super Blue Moon of August 2023 presents a unique opportunity for sky-watchers to witness an extraordinary celestial event. As the last chance to experience a Super Blue Moon until 2037, this event promises to be a breathtaking sight that shouldn’t be missed. Mark your calendars for August 31 and prepare for an unforgettable celestial show in the night sky.
