Washington, 31 Aug, 2023 (GNP): On a spectacular night that captivated stargazers worldwide, a rare celestial event, known as a blue supermoon, graced the skies on Wednesday, casting its brilliant glow upon Earth. The captivating phenomenon was celebrated by astronomy enthusiasts and curious observers alike.
A supermoon is characterized by a full moon that approaches Earth more closely than usual in its orbit, rendering it noticeably larger and brighter in the night sky. The August blue supermoon was particularly special as it marked the second full moon of the month, an occurrence that earns it the “blue moon” distinction – a term applied when two full moons grace a single calendar month.
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Adding to the celestial spectacle, the majestic planet Saturn made a stunning appearance beside the moon, an awe-inspiring sight for those fortunate enough to witness it under clear skies.
This rare event harkened back to 2018, the last time that two full supermoons adorned the same month’s skies. Astronomy enthusiasts and lovers of the cosmos rejoiced in this unique opportunity to behold the celestial marvel.
While the next blue supermoon won’t grace our skies until 2037, there is still celestial wonder to anticipate. The end of September will bring another supermoon, the last of the year, promising yet another breathtaking display in the night heavens.
A supermoon occurs when the Moon aligns with its perigee, the point in its elliptical orbit nearest to Earth, causing it to appear approximately 14 percent larger and emit a more radiant luminosity.
The exact moment of this full moon’s opposition to the Sun occurred at 9:36 pm Eastern Time on August 30 (0136 GMT on Thursday), a celestial event closely monitored by astronomers and skywatchers.
The Virtual Telescope Project, led by Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, hosted a YouTube livestream, providing viewers around the world with a front-row seat to the lunar spectacle as it gracefully descended below Rome’s skyline.
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It’s worth noting that despite the name, a “blue Moon” doesn’t actually appear blue. The term “blue Moon” denotes a second full moon within a single month, a phenomenon arising due to the slight discrepancy between lunar cycles (29.5 days) and calendar months (30 or 31 days).
Historically, the phrase “once in a blue Moon” has signified a rare occurrence, tracing its origins back centuries. In Elizabethan times, individuals who made extravagant or outlandish claims were said to “argue the Moon was blue.”
While the Moon typically adorns its familiar silver hue, unique atmospheric conditions can lend it a bluish tinge. Instances of this phenomenon are known to occur when smoke or dust particles in the atmosphere scatter red wavelengths of light.
Notably, the eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia in 1883 led to vivid blue Moons and green sunsets worldwide, an effect that persisted for almost two years.