Rare 'Blue Supermoon' to illuminate skies alongside Saturn

Written by Henrik Rothen

Aug.29 - 2023 8:00 PM CET

Science
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Rare 'Blue Supermoon' to illuminate skies alongside Saturn.

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Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts have a celestial treat in store this week—a rare 'Blue Supermoon' is set to light up the night sky.

This uncommon lunar event occurs only once every two to three years, making it a must-see phenomenon.

The term 'supermoon' was first coined by an astrologer in 1979 and is now widely used to describe a full moon that is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.

This particular 'Blue Supermoon' is also the third full moon in a season that features four full moons, adding to its rarity.

According to NASA, the moon will appear about seven percent larger during this event.

The best time to observe the moonrise will be on Wednesday, August 30, at 12:10 am (7:10 pm ET), and it will set at 11:46 am (6:46 am ET) on Thursday, August 31.

Adding to the spectacle, Saturn, the Solar System's second-largest planet, will also be prominently visible in the sky, illuminated in a position directly opposite the sun as viewed from Earth.