A “super blue moon” is a supermoon that coincides with a blue moon. On Monday, the moon will appear about 30% brighter than usual during a “super blue moon” – an event that occurs when a supermoon coincides with a blue moon (second full moon in a month). NASA predicts the next super blue moon will occur in January 2037.
Supermoons occur 3-4 times a year, when the full moon is closest to Earth and appears slightly larger and brighter. In 2024, there will be four consecutive supermoons from August to November, with the one on October 17th being the closest and most “super”. The difference in appearance will be difficult to tell by laypeople.
The blue moon is easier to see in a dark place and the camera’s exposure levels need to be adjusted.
There are varying definitions of supermoons and blue moons among astronomers, which leads to confusion. Most define a supermoon as any full moon that is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. Blue moons don’t actually appear blue.
In September 2024, there will be a partial lunar eclipse during a supermoon, visible in different parts of the world.
A rare major lunar standstill occurs every 18.6 years, when the Moon reaches the extremes of its orbit and rises and sets at its northernmost and southernmost positions beyond the Sun.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Futurism, Washington Times, NOLA, Canadian Inquirer, Kentucky Today, Times Free Press, Twisted Sifter, Rocky Mount Telegram, NTD, AOL, Palm Beach Post, TVP World, Times Now News.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
