Know the Difference Between Super Moon and Blue Moon

Know the Difference Between Super Moon and Blue Moon

August 2, 2023, will witness one of the most interesting and unique celestial happenings of the year! August is going to be an exciting month for all moon lovers as the beginning of the month will experience a supermoon. There are many terminologies associated with our Natural Satellite; 'Moon', such as; Super Moon, Blue Moon, Dark Moon, Blood Moon, and others. Let's have a look at the detailed difference between Super Moon and Blue Moon:

What is a Super Moon?

A supermoon happens when the Moon is full and its orbit is at its closest point to Earth (perigee). A full moon that occurs close to or around the time the Moon is at its closest point in its orbit around Earth is referred to as a perigean full moon by astronomers. The word "supermoon" was first used to describe this event in 1979. The Sturgeon Moon refers to the Super Moon in August.

A full moon that occurs close to or around the time the Moon is at its closest point in its orbit around Earth is referred to as a perigean full moon by astronomers. The word "supermoon" was first used to describe this event in 1979.

What makes a supermoon so exceptional, then? There is much to see and learn for the curious spectator. Careerindia is providing some interesting facts related to it. Let's have a glance at it:

• The Moon's orbit around Earth is an ellipse, an oval shape that moves it back and forth in proximity to the planet.
• The apogee, which is the furthest point in this ellipse, is typically roughly 253,000 miles (405,500 km) away from Earth.
• The perigee, which is where it is closest to Earth, is typically 226,000 miles (363,300 km) away.
• A "supermoon" occurs when the full moon is at perigee when it is significantly larger and brighter than a typical full moon.

What is a Blue Moon?

"Once in a Blue Moon" is a phrase commonly used to describe an incredibly rare event, but what does it mean in Astronomical terms? Can the moon turn blue?

However, neither of the two versions of blue moons has anything to do with color! It simply means, rare, seldom, and maybe even absurd!
A blue moon is the second full moon of a calendar month, by contemporary legend. Typically, there is only one full moon per month, but rarely there will be two. Given that there are often 30 or 31 days in a month and that full moons are spaced by 29 days, it is feasible for a month to contain two full moons.

According to NASA, a seasonal Blue Moon is the third full moon in a season with four full moons, which is the traditional definition of a Blue Moon. A monthly Blue Moon, on the other hand, refers to the second full moon that occurs inside a single calendar month and was created as a result of a misunderstanding of the first meaning. According to Time and Date, the monthly Blue Moon is now regarded as the second definition of a Blue Moon rather than a mistake.