Super Blue Moon 2023: A Celestial Spectacle Worth Staying Up For

What time is the Super Blue Moon of 2023?

By Robert Lea, Published 28 August 2023

Skywatchers are eagerly anticipating the Super Blue Moon of 2023, which will occur on Wednesday, August 30. This full moon is set to be one of the brightest and largest moons of the year. The term “Blue Moon” refers to the second full moon that falls in a calendar month. In this case, the Blue Moon is the second full moon of August. It is important to note that the term “Blue Moon” has nothing to do with the color of the moon itself.

The Super Blue Moon

The Super Blue Moon of 2023 will also be a supermoon, which means it will occur when the moon is closer to Earth in its orbit. This proximity to Earth will make the moon appear slightly larger in the sky, although this difference will be imperceptible to most skywatchers. The Super Blue Moon will rise just after sunset on August 30, at 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT), from the eastern horizon. However, it will reach its full moon status, opposite the sun in the sky, at 9:36 p.m. EDT on the same day. At this time, the moon will be in the constellation of Aquarius. The Super Blue Moon will then set on Thursday, just before the sun rises, at around 6:46 a.m. EDT (1046 GMT).

What is a Super Blue Moon?

A Super Blue Moon is a rare celestial event that combines the occurrence of a Blue Moon and a supermoon. As mentioned earlier, a Blue Moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. The term “Blue Moon” arose from a misinterpretation of the original definition, which referred to the third full moon in a season that had four full moons. Supermoons, on the other hand, happen when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. During a supermoon, the moon appears slightly larger and brighter in the sky.

Next Super Blue Moon

Super Blue Moons are relatively rare occurrences. While they can happen twice within the same month, they can also be separated by periods as long as 20 years. The average time between Super Blue Moons is about 10 years. After the Super Blue Moon of August 30, 2023, the next Super Blue Moons will be in January and March of 2037, according to NASA.

Next Supermoon

Although the next full moon after the Super Blue Moon of 2023 will not be a Super Blue Moon, skywatchers will still have the opportunity to see another supermoon in September. The Full Corn Moon on September 29 will be the fourth consecutive supermoon and the final supermoon of the year. After that, the next supermoon will occur on September 18, 2024, followed by another supermoon on October 17, 2024.

Conclusion

The Super Blue Moon of 2023 is an exciting celestial event that skywatchers should not miss. This rare occurrence combines the phenomena of a Blue Moon and a supermoon, making it a unique and visually stunning sight. While there may not be a significant difference in the moon’s appearance during a supermoon, the event still offers a chance to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the cosmos. For those interested in observing the moon up close, telescopes such as the Celestron Astro Fi 102 are recommended. In addition, amateur photographers can refer to our guide on how to photograph the moon for tips and techniques to capture this extraordinary event. So mark your calendars and prepare to witness the Super Blue Moon of 2023 in all its celestial glory!