ISLAMABAD: A rare celestial event: a super blue moon, was seen before midnight at 11:30 p.m on Monday. According to the national space agency, SUPARCO, this phenomenon is particularly unique as it combines two distinct lunar events—a supermoon and a blue moon.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon aligns with the closest point of its orbit to Earth, known as perigee. This alignment makes the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. On the other hand, a blue moon refers to the second full moon in a single calendar month, which is a rare occurrence.
Last night super blue moon is significant because it will be the first supermoon of 2024, with additional ones expected on September 18, October 17, and November 15. The moon’s peak will be visible from Sunday morning through early Wednesday, providing a fantastic viewing opportunity.
SUPARCO emphasized that this is a rare event, noting that the next super blue moon will not occur until January 2037. The combination of both a supermoon and a blue moon in one night makes this a particularly special occasion for skywatchers. The celestial event will be observable to the naked eye, but telescopes and binoculars will offer even clearer views of the lunar surface.
