Blue alert! After the Perseid shower with peak viewing on August 12 and 13, it’s time for the Super Blue Moon. But what exactly is a Super Blue Moon? What are its specific characteristics and when can you see it in the sky this summer?
Attention aesthetes: a Super Blue Moon will blow your mind in August!
Last April, a magnificent Super Pink Moon lit up the sky, much to the delight of astronomy fans. A bigger, brighter full moon, whose name perfectly evoked cherry blossom, spring and renewal. And this August, another Super Moon is set to bring you a breathtaking celestial spectacle: the so-called Blue Super Moon!
But when will this great astronomical event take place? To admire this magnificent full moon in the night sky, the date is set for August 19, 2024. But first things first: why does the Super Blue Moon have that name? Although its etymology remains rather vague, it is said that this supermoon was so named 400 years ago because of its rarity, if we are to believe the English expression “once in a blue Moon”.
Is this full moon blue in the true sense of the word?
It’s called a “Super” moon because it will be at the point of its elliptical orbit closest to the Earth. Some 363,000 kilometers away. In other words, the moon will be bigger and brighter than usual. Spectacular, then. But will it actually be blue? Although many images show the moon taking on bluish hues, it generally appears in pale gray or whitish skies. Its azure hue will therefore depend on atmospheric conditions. Yes, it’s an astronomical phenomenon of rare beauty, likely to make you see life in pink. Well, in blue…
The influences of this Super Moon
Passionate about astrology? According to many astrologers, the energies of the blue moon will be beneficial to your projects. Astrologer Maria Sarbu believes it helps us “find clarity and power”. A perfect way to end August on a high note, and get back to school off to a flying start.