Rare super blue moon and Saturn to light up the sky today: Here’s everything you need to know

This month's second full moon, also referred to as the blue moon is also the first super blue moon of the year.

Depending on your location, you can catch sight of the super blue moon either on August 30 or 31. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

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Stargazers are in for another treat in August! The most significant lunar phenomenon of the year is happening for a second time this month, also known as the super blue moon. Depending on your location, you can catch sight of the super blue moon either on August 30 or 31.

Despite its name, the moon won’t appear blue; rather, the term ‘blue moon’ denotes a second full moon occurring within a month. This month’s second full moon, also referred to as the blue moon is also the first super blue moon of the year, as the moon will be at its closest proximity to Earth, at a distance of 357,344km. To add to the spectacle, Saturn will also be visible as a bright point approximately five degrees above the moon’s upper part.

When to observe the super blue moon in India?

As per reports, the blue moon will manifest at approximately 9:30 pm IST on August 30. It will attain the status of a super blue moon by 7:30 am IST on August 31. For the optimal view of the super blue moon, set your sights on 8:37 pm EDT on August 30 or 6:07 am IST on August 31.

It’s a bird! 🦅 It’s a plane! ✈️ It’s a… supermoon! 🌕 Don’t forget to check out the “super blue moon” on Aug. 31. It is called a super blue moon because it is a supermoon and the second full moon in a single calendar month. Learn more: https://t.co/cA0Y9UQS88 pic.twitter.com/RDOcsB6fIm

— NASA Space Place (@NASAspaceplace) August 28, 2023

What triggers a super blue moon?

Earth’s only natural satellite, the moon, follows an elliptical orbit around our planet. Consequently, when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, it’s classified as a super moon. Due to the reduced distance between Earth and the moon, the lunar body appears larger, fuller, and brighter than during regular phases.

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As for the ‘blue moon’ label, it’s assigned when two full moons occur within a single month. This term has no relation to the moon’s colour. Compared to a regular full moon, a super blue moon appears approximately 14 per cent larger.

According to NASA, spotting a blue moon or super moon is relatively common a few times each year, whereas, a super blue moon, where both phenomena coincide, only happens roughly once in a decade. Hence, the second full moon of August 2023, also known as the blue moon making an appearance on August 30 (IST) qualifies as a super blue moon. The subsequent super blue moon is not anticipated until January 2037, underscoring the significance of this upcoming event.