Get ready for a celestial spectacle on the horizon! On the upcoming evening of August 30th, brace yourselves for the captivating display of a “supermoon.” This term, now widely recognized, was originally coined by an astrologer, distinguishing it from the realm of astronomers. The concept defines a “full moon occurring when our lunar companion is at or very near its closest point to our Earth in its orbital journey (known as perigee).”
As the clock strikes around 12 noon ET on the fifth Wednesday of this August, the moon will draw astonishingly close to us, reaching its perigee at a mere distance of 221,942 miles (357,181 km). Following this rendezvous, a mere 9 hours and 36 minutes later, the moon will unveil its complete luminous form. Although the phase of a full moon is fleetingly ephemeral, this specific instant tends to elude the unaided eye. For approximately a day before and after this fleeting moment, the moon graciously assumes the identity of “full,” with the shift being subtle and requiring keen observation.
In a fascinating turn of lunar events, this “supermoon” earns an additional distinction – it marks the second appearance of its kind in August alone. The initial spectacle graced us on the 1st of the month. Consequently, the second grand lunar display on August 30th earns the moniker “Blue” moon, a term reserved for the rare second full moon within a single calendar month. In essence, get ready to be enchanted by the radiance of a “Super Blue Moon” illuminating the night sky.
Embrace the night of August 30th as the cosmos treats us to this exquisite lunar pageantry, where science and wonder converge to create a spectacle that has captivated humanity for ages.