ISLAMABAD: Stargazers in Pakistan are in for a special event tonight as the first super blue moon of the year illuminates the night sky, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
This rare celestial event, where the moon appears larger and brighter due to its close proximity to Earth, will be visible worldwide, including in Pakistan. SUPARCO has announced that the super blue moon will be visible in Pakistan on Monday at 11:26 p.m., marking the year’s first supermoon. The agency also noted that three more supermoons are expected on September 18, October 17, and November 15.
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. However, this month’s supermoon is especially significant as it coincides with a blue moon, a phenomenon with a fascinating historical background.
The term “blue moon” doesn’t refer to the moon’s color but originates from a unique historical event. In the 19th century, a volcanic eruption caused atmospheric changes that gave the full moon a bluish tint. Since then, “blue moon” has come to describe rare lunar events.
There are two types of blue moons: the Seasonal Blue Moon, which is the third full moon in a season with four full moons, and the Monthly Blue Moon, which is the second full moon in a calendar month. The upcoming August 19 moon is a Seasonal Blue Moon, a spectacle that won’t recur until 2037.
This event marks a series of consecutive supermoons from August through November 2024, offering sky enthusiasts multiple chances to witness the moon’s grandeur.
On August 19, the moon will be approximately 226,000 miles from Earth, promising a captivating view for observers across the country.
