Photo: © Zuma\TASS
Photo: © Zuma\TASS
On August 31, 2023, astronomers and stargazers will be able to see a unique phenomenon – the blue moon. This is a rare event that happens once every one or two years. In addition, it will also be a supermoon – the time when the moon is at the closest distance to the Earth. The Blue Moon will be 7% larger and 14% brighter.
Separately, these phenomena are observed regularly, but they coincide extremely rarely. When the blue moon rises in the sky, where is the best place to observe an unusual phenomenon and why it got such a name, we tell in the material REN TV.
Blue Moon and Supermoon August 31, 2023
Usually there is only one full moon in each month, but August 2023 was an exception. By data Moscow Planetarium, the first full moon took place on August 1 at 21:33, and the second will be on August 31 at 04:37.
The second full moon in a calendar month is called the blue moon. It is she who can be observed on August 31, 2023. In addition, on this day you can see the supermoon of the year.
“The moon is close to perigee on this day, which means that we will observe a blue supermoon – the largest full moon of 2023”– reported in the capital planetarium.
A supermoon is a full moon during the closest approach of the moon to the Earth, due to which the satellite of our planet in the night sky looks larger and brighter. This is due to the fact that the lunar orbit is elliptical, and at different points the Moon is either closer or farther from the Earth.
On August 31, 2023, the celestial body will approach the Earth at a distance of about 357.1 thousand kilometers. Moon will be 7% more and 14% brighter.
What is a blue moon
The term “blue moon” appeared in the 19th century. At the same time, the name of the phenomenon has nothing to do with color – in reality, the Moon does not acquire a blue tint. For observers, the Earth’s satellite will remain habitually white with a silvery or yellowish tint.
According to one version, the name of the astronomical phenomenon is associated with the English phrase Once in a Blue Moon – “once in the Blue Moon”, that is, very rarely or never. However, the exact origin is unknown.
The phenomenon itself occurs due to the difference in the duration of the lunar cycle of 29 and a half days and the calendar month, equal to 30-31 days. The Blue Moon can be seen about once every two and a half years. The next time an unusual astronomical phenomenon can be observed in May 2026.
Where and when to watch the blue moon on August 31, 2023
According to Alexander Ganshin, the head of the Yandex Weather service, the most impressive view can be caught during the moonrise and sunset: on August 31, the earth satellite will rise at 22:18 and set at 4:37.
“During the approach of the Moon and the Earth, the satellite will be at a distance of only 357,344 km from the Earth – the moon has never been seen so close. The satellite will reach its maximum point on August 31 at 4:35 am Moscow time”– told “Izvestia” expert.
The full moon will be seen especially well on the morning of August 31 in the central part of Russia. At this time, it will stand out against the background of the night and morning sky.
According to Ganshin, the moon will be best seen around 3-4 am in Rostov-on-Don, Volgograd, Tyumen, Ufa, Perm, Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk.
Cloudy weather with clearings is expected in Moscow on August 30-31, so residents of the capital will be able to see the supermoon closer to the night. St. Petersburg will be less lucky: cloudy weather is expected there.
It is best to observe a unique event in an open area away from the city in order to minimize sky glare from lanterns and other light sources.
Blue Moon Superstitions
Astrologers believe that the Blue Moon can provide a unique opportunity for change in life. They call this phenomenon a powerful period when the energies of the universe are activated.
What can you do on August 31
- meditate;
- engage in introspection;
- plan;
- to make amulets directed positive energy to achieve the plan.
What not to do on August 31
- to conflict and argue;
- be aggressive;
- make spontaneous decisions;
- succumb to impulsive purchases;
- overburden yourself with obligations.
Source: Ren
Alfred Hart is an accomplished journalist known for his expert analysis and commentary on global affairs. He currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker, where he provides readers with in-depth coverage of the most pressing issues affecting the world today. With a keen insight and a deep understanding of international politics and economics, Alfred’s writing is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.