SUPER BLUE MOON

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Context

A rare astronomical phenomenon known as the "Super Blue Moon"

Details

• The moon's orbit around Earth is elliptical, taking 27.3 days.
• A super moon occurs when the moon is near its perigee (closest point to Earth) during a full moon.
• The moon's illuminated side is fully visible during a full moon, creating a bright circle in the sky.
• Super moons also occur during new moons, but they are not visible.

Blue Moon and Its Definition

• A "blue moon" refers to the occurrence of two full moons within a single month.
• The lunar cycle is 29.5 days, occasionally leading to a second full moon at the end of a month occasionally.
• NASA supports this definition, and it happens every two to three years.

August 2023 Scenario

• The first full moon occurred on August 1, which was a super moon.
• The second full moon, on August 30-31, will be even larger due to its proximity to perigee.

Moon's Color and Atmosphere

• Moon appears more yellow/orange near the horizon due to longer travel through the atmosphere.
• Shorter, bluer wavelengths are scattered, leaving longer, redder wavelengths.
• Dust or pollution can intensify the moon's reddish hue.

Size and Brightness of Super Moon

• A super moon (at perigee) is about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a "micro moon" (at apogee).
• The difference in size may not be noticeable to most people.
• Brightness could be more discernible, influenced by factors like the "Moon illusion," cloud cover, and pollution.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/super-blue-moon-8916383/