Fans of observing the night sky will be in for a rare treat on Wednesday and Thursday: they will be able to see a giant blue moon, a phenomenon that has not occurred since 2009.
“Blue moon” is the term used when we see the full moon twice in the same month.
This blue moon is also a supermoon, and is Earth’s only natural satellite It looks brighter than usual Because it is at its closest point in its orbit around our planet.
But despite its name, the lunar phenomenon It has nothing to do with color: so named because it does not fit into the usual scheme of named satellites.
A “super blue moon” rises over Havana on August 30, 2023. (Photo: YAMIL LAGE/AFP)
Yamil Laji – AFPWhy is it a blue moon?
“Blue moon” is the term used When we see the full moon twice in the same month.
The lunar cycle is 29.5 days; That is, slightly shorter than the average length of a calendar month.
This gap is what ultimately leads to the fact that if there is a full moon at the beginning of the month, when there are still enough days left for another full cycle, there will be a second full moon in the same month.
In other words, a full moon that occurs on the first or second day of the month will likely be followed by a second full moon on the 30th or 31st. This happens every two to three years, NASA explains.
People sometimes refer to two types of blue moons: monthly and seasonal. The next full moon is the monthly blue moon. Seasonal blue moons occur when there are four full moons in one season (spring, summer, fall, or winter) instead of the usual three.
Does the moon really look blue?
No, NASA explains. This is the term for two full moons in one month.
However, in rare cases, small particles in the air (usually smoke or dust) can scatter the red wavelengths of light, making the moon appear slightly bluish.
Does this moon appear larger?
NASA explained that this moon is located about 360,000 kilometers from Earth, which makes it appear brighter and 14% larger than its usual size.
Our satellite is usually at a distance of about 405,000 km.
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