Super Blue Moon: What is the date, time in India; where and how to ...
On August 30, we will witness a rare celestial event-
Super Blue Moon
, which occurs when a full moon happens during the period when the moon is closer to the Earth. This phenomenon happens because the moon's orbit around Earth is elliptical and not circular. This means there are times when the moon is farther away — at apogee — and times when it is closer — at perigee. The distance between Earth and the moon during perigee and apogee ranges from around 220,000 miles (350,000 kilometers) to 253,000 miles (408,000 km), a difference of around 14%.
Contrary to the name, the moon does not appear blue in color. It is just a term for two full moons in a month.
"Super blue moons occur about every 10 years, on average – though the time between any two occurrences can vary from two months to two decades or more," says NASA.
"A supermoon is a full moon that coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This makes it appear slightly larger and brighter than usual. A blue moon is the second full moon in a month. Both supermoons and blue moons are rare occurrences, with blue moons happening once every two and a half years on average. The combination of a supermoon and a blue moon is even rarer, and it only happens about once every 10-20 years. The next time it will happen is in 2037," explains astrologer Pandit Jagannath Guruji.
Significance of Super Blue Moon
On the astrological significance of the super
blue moon
, the astrologer says: The moon is associated with emotions, intuition, and the subconscious mind. The full moon is a time when the moon's energy is strongest, making it a time of heightened emotions and intuition. The super blue moon amplifies the moon's energy even further, making it a time of even greater emotional and intuitive clarity. This can be a time of great insight and transformation, as you are able to see things more clearly and make changes that are in your best interests. The blue moon furthermore adds an element of surprise and unexpectedness to the supermoon, which can be both good and bad. It can open you up to new possibilities, but it can also force you to deal with unexpected changes.
Super Blue Moon Time
"The Super Blue Moon will rise just after sunset at 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT) on Wednesday from the eastern horizon," Space has reported. "For this year's Blue Moon, the moon will be opposite the sun at 9:36 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 30 (0336 on Aug. 31). At this time, it will be in the constellation of Aquarius. The Blue Moon will then set on Thursday just before the sun rises at around 6:46 a.m. EDT (1046 GMT)," it has added citing NASA. The full Moon is expected to occur at 1:37 a.m. BST.
How to watch the super blue moon?
Those who are interested in witnessing this rare celestial event which is not likely to happen for several years from now, can watch the moon after sunset. It is best to witness the super blue moon during the dusk hours. You can see the moon with unaided eyes, or using binoculars and telescope.
How big will be the moon?
As per NASA, when the moon is closer to the earth, it looks 14% bigger than when it is away from the earth. "This is similar to the size difference between a quarter and a nickel. Because the Moon will be close to us in its orbit, it will appear a bit brighter than usual," NASA explains.
Why is this a rare event?
This is a rare event because 25 percent of all full moons are supermoons, but only 3 percent of full moons are blue moons. Another reason that makes this event a rare one is that the time between two consecutive super blue moons can be as much as 20 years.
The next super blue moons will occur in a pair, in January and March 2037, NASA says. Note the time and do not forget to witness one of the rarest celestial phenomena. You can also watch it live on several websites.
