On August 31st, sky watchers will have the opportunity to witness a rare and spectacular event – the super Blue Moon. This will be the third-largest moon of the year and the last in the four-part supermoon series. The term “once in a blue moon” actually has ties to astronomy, referring to something that happens rarely.

A super blue moon occurs when a second supermoon rises in a single month. The previous occurrence was on January 31, 2018, and the next one won’t happen until January 31, 2037. This makes it a truly special event to witness.

The super blue moon will be visible to anyone who can look up and see the moon on August 31st. Unlike many astronomical events, it is not dependent on a specific location. However, there will be an additional treat in the sky that night – the planet Saturn. Saturn will be hanging high above the moon, shining brightly during its descent from opposition.

While it may be possible to see Saturn without a telescope, you may need some equipment to see its iconic seven rings. This will also be a time when Saturn is closest to Earth, making it an ideal opportunity for skygazers to observe this gas giant up close.

The term “super blue moon” does not mean that the moon will appear blue in color like a blood moon. Instead, it simply refers to the occurrence of two supermoons in a single month. The first supermoon of August, known as the sturgeon moon, appeared on August 1st.

Supermoons are full moons that occur when the moon is at its closest point of orbit to Earth. They can appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the smallest-seeming full moon. Throughout the year, there are typically four supermoons that happen approximately 29.5 days apart. The final supermoon of the year, the fall harvest moon, will rise on September 29th.

So mark your calendars and don’t miss the rare and beautiful super blue moon on August 31st. It’s an event that happens once in a blue moon!

Sources:
– NASA ambassador Tony Rice

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