Exploring Australia’s Long-Awaited Return of the Super Blue Moon in August

The Super Blue Moon: A Celestial Delight

Introduction

On August 31st, Australians will have the rare opportunity to witness a spectacular celestial event – the “super blue moon”. This phenomenon, which combines a supermoon and a blue moon, only occurs once every few years. The super blue moon will be the closest of four supermoons in a row this year, making it an event not to be missed for astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers alike.

The Origin of the Supermoon and Blue Moon

The term “supermoon” was coined in 1979 to describe the occurrence when a full moon coincides with the closest point in its orbit around Earth. Supermoons appear approximately 15% brighter than the average full moon, although the change is not easily discernible to the naked eye. On the other hand, the term “blue moon” refers to the frequency of full moons rather than the appearance of Earth’s natural satellite. Some define a blue moon as an extra full moon—13 in total—in a calendar year, while others define it as two full moons in the same calendar month.

The Rarity of a Blue Moon

As the phrase “once in a blue moon” suggests, this lunar event is relatively rare, occurring once every two to three years. The elliptical orbit of the moon around Earth plays a significant role in the occurrence of a blue moon. Dr. Brad Tucker, an astrophysicist from the Australian National University, explains that the moon’s orbit can vary by 40,000-45,000 km. When the moon is approximately 20,000-25,000 km closer to Earth than average, it qualifies as a supermoon.

Closest of Four Supermoons

The super blue moon on August 31st will be the closest of four consecutive supermoons this year. It will be positioned at a distance of 357,344 km from Earth, providing a unique opportunity to witness the moon’s magnificence up close. This super blue moon follows the earlier supermoons on July 3rd and August 2nd, which were nicknamed the “sturgeon moon” and the “blue moon,” respectively. To complete the series, another supermoon will take place on September 29th.

Viewing the Super Blue Moon

Unfortunately, the super blue moon will not be visible from Australian skies at its closest approach to Earth on August 31st at 11.35 am AEST. However, there is still a chance to catch a glimpse of its splendor the night before and after.

Dr. Sara Webb, an astrophysicist at Swinburne University, advises that the moon will appear big and bright on Thursday night, despite starting to move further away from Earth. On Wednesday and Friday, it will still be exceptionally full and very close. The moon is expected to rise above the horizon at 4.35 pm AEST on Wednesday, August 30th, and at 5.46 pm AEST on Thursday, August 31st, in an east-south-east direction.

The Moon Illusion and Saturn’s Presence

An optical illusion known as the moon illusion enhances the awe-inspiring nature of the super blue moon. When the moon is lower on the horizon, it appears larger in size compared to when it has risen higher in the sky. Additionally, stargazers will have the opportunity to observe Saturn, which will be located slightly higher and to the west of the moon. Saturn, as one of the brightest objects in the night sky, can be observed more distinctly through small telescopes, including the rings that adorn the planet.

Utilizing Stellarium Web

For those interested in more specific details about the viewing times and positions of the super blue moon based on their location, Stellarium Web offers a free online planetarium where this information can be accessed.

Conclusion

The super blue moon on August 31st promises to be a celestial spectacle that Australians should not miss. This rare combination of a supermoon and a blue moon, occurring for the first time since 2009, offers a unique opportunity to witness the magnificence of Earth’s natural satellite up close. While the super blue moon may not be visible at its closest approach, the nights preceding and following the event will still provide an exceptional viewing experience. So mark your calendars, grab your telescopes, and prepare to be captivated by the celestial wonder of the super blue moon.