A rare celestial event is set to grace the skies tonight – a blue supermoon. This unique phenomenon marks the beginning of a series of astronomical events that are sure to captivate stargazers and space enthusiasts alike. Supermoons occur when a full moon rises during its closest point in its orbit to Earth, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance in the night sky.
What exactly is a blue supermoon? Well, a blue moon occurs when there are two full moons within a single calendar month or four full moons within a season. These occurrences are quite rare, happening once every two to three years, hence the popular saying “once in a blue moon.” Despite its name, a blue moon does not actually appear blue in color, but rather refers to its infrequent nature.
This blue supermoon is the first of four supermoons that will grace the night sky in the next four months. Coincidentally, it is also coinciding with serious wildfires in the US, with the dust from these fires potentially giving the moon a red glow. While previous nights have already seen spectacular moons around the UK, tonight’s supermoon is the official event and promises to be even more impressive if the skies clear.
Tips for observing and photographing the supermoon:
1. Find a dark spot: Seek out a location with minimal light pollution to get the best view of the supermoon.
2. Learn about stargazing: Familiarize yourself with the night sky and celestial events to enhance your viewing experience.
3. Use your phone: You don’t need a fancy camera to capture the beauty of the supermoon. Start with your phone and experiment with different settings to get great results.
The best time to spot a supermoon is during moonrise, which is the moon’s equivalent of sunrise. It’s a magical sight to behold and offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of our celestial neighbor up close.
As the supermoon rises tonight, keep an eye out from around 8:30 pm. The further north you are, the later the moonrise will occur, with locations like John O’Groats experiencing it around 9:10 pm. After tonight’s blue supermoon, the next supermoons are scheduled for 18 September, 17 October, and 15 November. September’s supermoon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse, providing yet another stunning sight to behold in the night sky.
If you manage to capture a glimpse of the supermoon tonight, feel free to share your stories, pictures, or videos with us using our app, private messaging, or email. Your contributions could be featured on our platform, allowing others to appreciate the beauty of the celestial event alongside you.
The world of astronomy is full of wonders and mysteries waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or a curious novice, events like the blue supermoon offer a chance to marvel at the beauty of the universe and deepen our understanding of the cosmos. So, grab your camera, head to a dark spot, and prepare to witness the magic of the blue supermoon in all its glory tonight.
