INDIA: Skygazers and astronomy enthusiasts worldwide are in for a treat this month as a rare celestial event lights up the night sky. The month of August has brought with it not one but two supermoons, with the second one set to be an extraordinary phenomenon known as the blue moon.
While the term might evoke thoughts of an azure lunar surface, its significance lies in its timing and rarity, making it an event worth marking on the celestial calendar.
What is a blue moon?
Contrary to popular belief, the blue moon has nothing to do with the moon’s color. Instead, it refers to the occurrence of an additional full moon within a specific time frame.
Specifically, a blue moon is the third of four full moons that grace a single season. The term “blue moon” has been culturally associated with rarity, often encapsulated in the phrase “once in a blue moon.”
Double delight: supermoon and blue moon combo
August has already witnessed one supermoon at the beginning of the month, and now it promises to showcase another one on the 30th. A supermoon is when the moon’s orbit brings it closer to Earth, resulting in its apparent size being larger and its luminosity being brighter than usual.
This celestial marvel is intensified during the second supermoon, the blue moon, as the moon will be at its closest point to Earth, a mere 357,244 kilometers away. This proximity will create a breathtaking display that’s not to be missed.
A celestial rarity
The convergence of a supermoon and a blue moon is indeed a rare occurrence. According to NASA, a blue moon that meets the criteria of being the third full moon in a season with four full moons typically happens only once every two-and-a-half years.
This infrequency adds to the allure of the event, capturing the imaginations of both seasoned stargazers and casual observers alike.
Cultural and astronomical significance
Beyond its astronomical marvel, the term “blue moon” carries cultural significance as a symbol of rarity and uniqueness. This phrase is often used to describe events that are seldom seen, lending an air of mystery and anticipation to the occasion. “Raksha Bandhan,” a prestigious Hindu festival, is also taking place on the same day as the blue moon.
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