What to expect from this week's rare Blue Supermoon
Starting on 19th August for three days
This week, between Monday 19th August and Wednesday 21st August, UK stargazers will be treated to a Supermoon, however it isn't just a Supermoon, it will be a Blue Supermoon!
As the saying goes, 'once in a Blue Moon', so this is a super rare occurrence, but doesn't have anything to do with its colour, so don't go out expecting to see the Moon a different colour this week.
What is a Blue Moon?
There are actually two definitions of a Blue Moon, but as mentioned above, they don't have anything to do with the colour of the Moon.
Seasonal Blue Moon
The first definition is to do with it being the third Moon of the season. There are four Moons in a season, but only the third is known as a Blue Moon.
Monthly Blue Moon
The second definition appears to have come about as it was originally a misunderstanding of the first definition, but now it is an accepted definition. This second definition comes from there being a second full Moon in one calendar month. This only happens occasionally due to the orbit of the Moon around the Earth taking a little less than a calendar month.
What is a Supermoon?
A Supermoon occurs when the Moon is closer to the Earth due to its orbit. When it is at this closer distance it can appear much brighter and bigger than normal. Sometimes 15% brighter and 30% bigger than the average full Moon you will see most months.
What is a Blue Supermoon?
A Blue Supermoon, or Super Blue Moon as it is sometimes called, is a combination of both a Blue Moon and a Supermoon. This month's Blue Supermoon is a seasonal Supermoon, meaning it is the third full Moon of the season.
When was the last Blue Moon?
The last Blue Moon was on 30th August 2023. That was a monthly Blue Moon, meaning it was the second full Moon in the calendar month.
When is the next Blue Moon?
We'll have to wait quite a long time until the next Blue Moon. On 31st May 2026, there will be a Blue Moon. That Blue Moon will also be a Monthly Blue Moon.
When is the August Blue Supermoon visible?
Weather permitting you'll be able to see August's Blue Supermoon between the 19th August and 21st August. This month's Blue Moon is a Seasonal Blue Moon.
If you're lucky you might also see the tail end of the Perseid Meteor Shower which will continue until 24th August.
Take a look through tips for viewing meteors:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.
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