As an avid skywatcher, I have always been fascinated by the celestial events that occur in our night sky. One such event that has captured the imagination of people for centuries is the phenomenon known as a Blue Moon. but what does it actually mean, when will it happen?

What is a Blue Moon?

Contrary to popular belief, a Blue Moon has nothing to do with the color of the moon. Instead, it refers to the occurrence of an extra full moon within a specific timeframe. Traditionally, a Blue Moon was defined as the third full moon in a season that contains four full moons. This definition originated from an article published in the magazine “Sky & Telescope” in 1946, which mistakenly interpreted the term “Blue Moon” from an older, unrelated definition.

However, the most commonly used definition today is based on the occurrence of two full moons within a calendar month. This definition gained popularity after a misinterpretation of the term in a popular radio program in the 1980s. According to this definition, a Blue Moon occurs approximately once every two to three years. It is important to note that the actual frequency may vary slightly due to the irregular length of the lunar month, which is approximately 29.5 days.

Scientific reason behind the appearance of a Blue Moon

Now that we understand how often a Blue Moon occurs, let’s delve into the scientific explanation behind its appearance. The key factor that determines the appearance of a Blue Moon is the synchronization of the lunar month with the calendar month. As mentioned earlier, a lunar month is approximately 29.5 days long, while a calendar month can vary between 28 and 31 days.

When the timing aligns perfectly, with a full moon occurring at the beginning of a calendar month, there is a chance for a second full moon to occur at the end of the same month. This is what gives rise to the phenomenon of a Blue Moon. It is essentially a result of our human-defined calendar system trying to catch up with the natural cycles of the moon.

What is a supermoon?

A Supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as the perigee. This results in the moon appearing larger and brighter than usual in the night sky. The term “Supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and has since gained popularity among astronomers and sky watchers alike.

During a Supermoon, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to a regular full moon. This astronomical spectacle creates a sense of awe and wonder, drawing people outside to witness the grandeur of our celestial companion. The August 2023 Supermoon promises to be a sight to behold, combining the rarity of a Blue Moon with the magnificence of a Supermoon.

When is a Full Supermoon in August 2023, UK?

If you are as captivated by the wonders of the night sky as I am, mark your calendars for the August 2023 Supermoon. According to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich- next full moon will fall on 31st August (Thursday), reaching its peak in the United Kingdom at 2.35 am. First full moon of the month already peaked at 7.31 pm on Tuesday 1 August. These timings mean that it will be most visible overnight from Wednesday.

Grab your binoculars or a telescope, if you have one, to get a closer look at the moon’s craters and features. And don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on the vastness of the universe and our place within it. It is a reminder of the wonders that exist beyond our planet and a chance to connect with the cosmos in a truly magnificent way. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celestial event!