Nilanjan
Have you ever seen a Super Blue Moon? Do you know what makes it so special and rare? If not, then you are in for a treat. On August 30, 2023, you will have a chance to witness the last and most amazing Supermoon of the year, a stunning celestial event that combines a second full moon in a month with the phenomenon of a Supermoon. It will be the third and final full moon of the Northern Hemisphere summer and will appear brighter and larger than usual. Moreover, it will coincide with one of the main Hindu festivals, Raksha Bandhan, making it even more auspicious and festive. In this blog, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Super Blue Moon 2023 and how to watch it from India.
What is a Super Blue Moon?
A Super Blue Moon is a rare occurrence that happens when two conditions are met:
- There is a second full moon in a calendar month. This is called a Blue Moon because it is uncommon and does not happen every month. The average interval between two full moons is about 29.5 days, while the length of a calendar month varies from 28 to 31 days. Therefore, sometimes there can be two full moons in one month, especially in months with 31 days. The term “Blue Moon” has nothing to do with the color of the moon, but it is derived from an old English phrase “once in a blue moon” which means something very rare.
- The full moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. This is called a Supermoon because it makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. The distance between the moon and Earth varies from about 356,000 km to 406,000 km due to the moon’s elliptical orbit. When the moon is at its closest point (called perigee), it can be up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than when it is at its farthest point (called apogee).
A Super Blue Moon is therefore a combination of a Blue Moon and a Supermoon, which makes it very rare and spectacular. According to NASA, the last time a Super Blue Moon occurred was on January 31, 2018, and the next time it will happen will be on May 31, 2037.
When and where to watch the Super Blue Moon 2023?
The Super Blue Moon 2023 will occur on August 30, 2023, and will be visible from India and other parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. It will reach its peak brightness at 08:37 PM (EDT) or 06:07 AM (IST) on August 31. However, the best time to watch it will be just after sunset on August 30, when the moon will rise in the east and will appear larger due to an optical illusion called the moon illusion.
To watch the Super Blue Moon 2023, you do not need any special equipment or telescope. You can simply look up at the sky and enjoy the sight with your naked eyes. However, if you want to capture some stunning photos or videos of the Super Blue Moon 2023, you can use a camera or smartphone with a good zoom lens and a tripod for stability.
You can also use some online tools or apps to find out the exact time and location of the moonrise and moonset in your area. For example, you can use [this tool] or [this app] to get accurate information about the moon phases and timings.
What is the significance of the Super Blue Moon 2023?
The Super Blue Moon 2023 is not only a rare and beautiful sight, but also has some cultural and religious significance for many people around the world. For instance,
- In Hinduism, the full moon is considered auspicious and sacred, as it represents the divine feminine energy of Goddess Lakshmi, who bestows wealth and prosperity. The full moon is also associated with Lord Buddha, who attained enlightenment on a full moon night. Moreover, the Super Blue Moon 2023 will coincide with Raksha Bandhan, one of the main Hindu festivals that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists and pray for their well-being and longevity, while brothers promise to protect their sisters from all evils.
- In Buddhism, the full moon is considered holy and auspicious, as it marks various events in the life of Lord Buddha, such as his birth, enlightenment and death. The full moon is also observed as a day of fasting, meditation and prayer by many Buddhists. The Super Blue Moon 2023 will coincide with the Uposatha, a day of observance and discipline for Buddhist monks and nuns.
- In Islam, the full moon is considered a sign of Allah’s power and glory, as it reflects the light of the sun, which is a symbol of Allah’s mercy and guidance. The full moon is also used to determine the Islamic calendar and the dates of various festivals and rituals. The Super Blue Moon 2023 will coincide with the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, which is a day of mourning and remembrance for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
- In Christianity, the full moon is considered a symbol of Christ’s resurrection and glory, as it rises from the darkness and shines brightly in the sky. The full moon is also used to calculate the date of Easter, which is the most important festival for Christians. The Super Blue Moon 2023 will coincide with the Feast of St. Augustine, one of the most influential Christian theologians and philosophers.
How to celebrate the Super Blue Moon 2023?
The Super Blue Moon 2023 is a perfect opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature and the universe. You can celebrate the Super Blue Moon 2023 in various ways, such as:
- Watch the Super Blue Moon 2023 with your family and friends and enjoy its magnificence and splendor. You can also take some photos or videos of the Super Blue Moon 2023 and share them on social media with hashtags like #SuperBlueMoon2023 or #BlueMoon2023.
- Perform some rituals or prayers according to your faith and culture and seek blessings from the divine. You can also light some candles or incense and create a peaceful and serene atmosphere for meditation or reflection.
- Express your gratitude and love to your loved ones and strengthen your bonds with them. You can also exchange some gifts or cards with them or do some acts of kindness or charity for others.
- Write some poems or stories inspired by the Super Blue Moon 2023 or create some artworks or crafts related to it. You can also listen to some songs or music that evoke the mood or theme of the Super Blue Moon 2023.
- Learn more about the Super Blue Moon 2023 and its scientific and historical aspects. You can also explore some myths and legends associated with the Super Blue Moon 2023 from different cultures and traditions.
How close will the moon be to Earth on August 30, 2023?
One of the most interesting facts about the Super Blue Moon 2023 is that it will be very close to Earth on that day. According to NASA, the moon will be at a distance of only 357344 km from Earth, which is about 49000 km closer than its average distance. This means that the moon will appear about 7% larger and 15% brighter than a normal full moon. This will make it a spectacular sight to behold.
This blog has helped you to understand what is a Super Blue Moon, when and where to watch it, and what is its significance.
