Stargazers and dreamers, mark your calendars and prepare to be enchanted. The cosmic spectacle of a Super Blue Moon is on the horizon, ready to grace the night sky with its mesmerising charm on August 30, 2023.
What exactly is this celestial phenomenon, and why does it ignite our curiosity and captivate our imaginations? Let's dive into the enchanting Super Blue Moon this August.
What is a Super Blue Moon?
A super blue moon is a rare celestial event that combines three different lunar phenomena: a supermoon, a blue moon, and a total lunar eclipse.
1. Supermoon: A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This makes the Moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky than usual.
2. Blue moon: A blue moon refers to the occurrence of an additional full moon within a calendar month. Typically, there are 12 full moons in a year, with each month having one. However, every few years, there is an extra full moon that appears, giving us two full moons in one month.
3. Total lunar eclipse: A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon's surface. During this phenomenon, the Moon takes on a reddish hue due to sunlight bending around Earth's atmosphere and reaching it indirectly.
Blue super moon in Pisces
This full moon falls under the zodiac sign Pisces, the dreamy and mystical water sign associated with the subconscious, dreams and aspirations. Full moons are always emotionally charged but this one might feel more intense than others. Pisces are the most emotional and sensitive signs of the zodiac, so don't be surprised if you're in your feelings the next few days. There’s a healing vibe to this full moon but every sign will experience this lunation differently, download our app to find out how it will affect you personally (available on Apple and Android).
The Science Behind the Magic
Now, you might be wondering if this cosmic spectacle is more about magic than science. While the Super Blue Moon certainly possesses an air of mystique, there's an intriguing scientific explanation that brings it to life.
The moon's elliptical orbit causes its distance from Earth to vary. When it's at its closest point, known as the perigee, we witness the awe-inspiring Supermoon. This captivating event showcases the moon's grandeur and reminds us that, even in the vastness of space, we're connected to the universe in more ways than we can fathom.
As for the Blue Moon phenomenon, the term might evoke images of a moonlit-blue sphere, but it's actually tied to Earth's monthly calendar dance. A typical lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days, and most months have only one full moon. But, occasionally, the universe decides to sprinkle a little lunar fairy dust, and we get two full moons in a single month—hence, the term "Blue Moon." It's like a celestial bonus, a gift from the cosmos to keep us on our toes.