Moonwatchers around the world are in for a special treat this month as a Blue Moon graces the night sky. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, the Blue Moon will rise on the night of August 30 at 9:35 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Not only is it a Blue Moon, but it is also a “supermoon,” meaning that the moon is as close to Earth as it gets, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
A Blue Moon is typically defined as the third full moon in a season that has four full moons, although it can also refer to a second full moon in a single month. Blue Moons occur about every two and a half years and are not an astronomical term, but more of a colloquialism.
The upcoming Blue Moon in August is a calendrical Blue Moon, not a seasonal one. This means that there are still three full moons between June 21 and September 23, but because August has 31 days, there will be two full moons in the month.
In addition to the Blue Moon, the moon will also make a close approach to the planet Saturn on the same day. Although the close approach will not be visible from the Western Hemisphere, observers in central Europe will have the opportunity to witness the moon and Saturn in conjunction, sharing the same celestial longitude.
Supermoons, which occur when a full moon coincides with perigee, the point in the moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth, will also be visible. The moon will reach perigee at 11:55 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, making it appear about 7 percent larger than normal.
Alongside the Blue Moon, other planets will also be visible in the night sky. Jupiter will rise on August 30 at 10:16 p.m. local time in New York, while Mars will be barely visible in the evening. Venus, on the other hand, will be a “morning star” and rise on August 31 at 4:33 a.m. Eastern.
As for constellations, the Summer Triangle will still be visible near the zenith around 9 p.m. in mid-northern latitudes. Scorpius and Sagittarius will be visible in the south, with Antares shining brightly as the heart of Scorpius. Turning westward, spectators can spot the autumn constellations rising, including Pegasus with its distinctive “Great Square.”
Moonwatchers eager to witness this celestial phenomenon are advised to prepare with the appropriate equipment, such as telescopes or binoculars. Guides for the best deals on binoculars, telescopes, and cameras for astrophotography can provide assistance in capturing these extraordinary sights.
Whether gazing at the stunning Blue Moon, observing the close approach of the moon and Saturn, or marveling at the other visible planets and constellations, August promises to be a remarkable month for moonwatchers around the world.