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Aug 31, 2023 · Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images. A woman takes pictures of a super blue moon rising above Lisbon, Portugal, on August 30. Armando Franca/AP. The super blue moon sets behind the CN...
Aug 31, 2023 · Super Blue Moon rises behind the Royal Liver Building and the Liver Bird statues on August 30, 2023, in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Image credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Amateur...
- Overview
- What is a blue moon?
- What is a supermoon?
- When will the next super blue moon be?
As millions of stargazers around the world looked at the sky Wednesday night, they saw a full moon appearing larger than average. It was another "supermoon" — the second one in August 2023, making it a "blue moon."
Unlike what the name suggests, a blue moon is not actually blue in color. Rather, it signifies the second full moon within a single month — hence the phrase, "once in a blue moon."
The "supermoon" phenomenon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest to Earth at the same time the moon is full. While around 25% of full moons are supermoons, just 3% of full moons are blue moons, according to NASA.
On average, supermoons are about 16% brighter than an average moon. They also appear bigger than the average full moon — with NASA comparing the size difference to that between a quarter and a nickel.
Saturn could also be seen appearing alongside the moon wherever skies were clear — adding to the celestial celebration.
Here are some photos of the super blue moon from around the world.
Those who missed seeing a blue moon will have to wait quite a while before the next one in May 2026. And if you're waiting for the next super blue moon, it'll be even longer — until 2037, when astronomy fans will get to see super blue moons in January and March.
- CBS News
- 37 sec
Aug 31, 2023 · 31 Aug 2023. A rare blue supermoon – the closest full moon of the year – dazzled stargazers around the world on Wednesday night. A supermoon is broadly defined as a full moon that is...
Aug 31, 2023 · By Washington Post Staff | Aug 31, 2023. The cosmic curtain rose Wednesday night with a super blue moon, the third-largest moon that has appeared to date this year — nearing the end of...
The 31 August 2023 Super Blue Moon in pictures. A selection of images of the Super Blue Moon of 30/31 August captured by astrophotographers from around the globe.
People also ask
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Aug 14, 2023 · The Blue Moon of August 2023 rises on Aug. 30, offering skywatchers a second chance to catch a supermoon alongside Saturn in the night sky.
