CHICAGO: This week, the sky over the Chicago area will feature a rare celestial event, where two unique phenomena converge in a single night. According to NASA, the full moon will be a “super blue moon,” and will be the first in a series of “Supermoons” over the coming months.
What is a “Supermoon”?
A “supermoon” occurs when the moon is either full or new and is within 90% of its closest distance to earth. This closer proximity results in a slightly larger and brighter appearance of the moon, according to astronomers. NASA reports that this will be the first of four consecutive “supermoons,” with even closer occurrences in September and October.
What is a “Blue Moon”?
While many Americans recognize a “blue moon” as the second full moon in a calendar month, this is actually a more modern interpretation of the term. The original definition, according to NASA, refers to the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. This summer will see four full moons, with the last one appearing in September. It’s important to note that a “blue moon” typically doesn’t appear blue in colour.
How rare is a “Super Blue Moon”?
The rarity of a “Super Blue Moon” is challenging to quantify due to varying definitions. However, based on NASA’s criteria for this week’s event, USA Today estimates that such an occurrence happens roughly once every 10 years, though the interval can sometimes be longer. The next “Super Blue Moon” won’t be as far off, with seasonal blue moons expected on May 20, 2027, and December 20, 2029. The following seasonal “Super Blue Moon” will occur on September 19, 2032.
