Skywatchers in India are in for a rare celestial treat on Monday night, August 19, 2024 as the night will showcase a spectacular super blue moon, a phenomenon that combines two rare lunar events. This event will be visible from Monday night until Tuesday, offering a stunning sight for those in India, especially as it coincides with the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Super Moon 2024
Had to wait until almost 9:30 to get a clear view of the Super Blue Moon rising last night, but still looked a terrific sight. Nothing done other than cropping this photo. @skyatnightmag #supermoon #BlueMoon #SuperBlueMoon pic.twitter.com/HnZNyd984U
— Barry Clough (@CloughBarry) August 19, 2024
The term “supermoon” refers to the moon’s orbit bringing it closer to Earth than usual. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky. In August 2024, the moon will be at its closest point to Earth, around 226,000 miles away. This proximity will make the moon appear 30% brighter and 14% larger than a typical full moon.
The “blue” part of the super blue moon is less about colour and more about timing. A blue moon happens when there are four full moons in a single season, with the third being termed a blue moon. This particular blue moon is seasonal, occurring during the summer, and is a rare event in the lunar cycle. Blue moons occur once every two or three years on average. However, a blue moon that coincides with a supermoon, like the one on August 19, is even rarer. According to NASA, the time between super blue moons can be as much as 20 years, though a gap of around 10 years is more common.
Also Read: Video Of Potholes On Mumbai-Nashik Highway Goes Viral; Netizens Call It Moon Road
Peak Phase Until Wednesday
Portland’s nearly full super blue moon Sunday evening! 🌕 @KOINNews #SuperBlueMoon #Portland #ORwx #WAwx pic.twitter.com/xqbNtIvT9K
— ͏Josh Cozart (@JoshCozartWx) August 19, 2024
This super blue moon will rise in India on Monday night and remain in its peak phase until early Wednesday. The three-day visibility period will allow ample opportunity for skywatchers to witness this celestial wonder. The timing is particularly special for India, as it aligns with Raksha Bandhan, a festival celebrating the bond between siblings.
While the term “blue moon” might suggest a blue-hued moon, this is not the case. The moon will not appear blue to the naked eye. Blue-coloured moons are typically a result of special camera filters or photo editing. The name “blue moon” is more symbolic, representing the rarity of the event rather than its actual colour.
In India, this rare super blue moon is an excellent opportunity for amateur astronomers, photographers, and anyone with a love for the night sky. The clear skies of August should provide a perfect backdrop for this astronomical event, barring any pesky clouds.
Also Read: Blue Supermoon Will Be Visible In The UAE On Monday & Here’s Where You Can See It
For those wondering when the next super blue moon will occur, NASA suggests that January 2037 is a safe bet.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: August 19, 2024 11:54 AM