Tonight, Monday 19th August 2024 we are in for a treat, as our moon is a blue moon and a super moon all at once. We did have a super moon last August but there won't be another until 2037 so you'd better take a look!
What is a Blue Moon?
Firstly, the moon does not turn blue! It is a blue moon when we get two full moons in the same month. But that is not the only definition -it can also be called a blue moon when we have 4 rather than 3 full moons in one season - the third moon being the blue moon. (Don't ask!)
Tonight's blue moon is the third of four full moons this season.
What is a Super Moon?
A supermoon occurs when the full Moon coincides with the moon at its closest point to earth in its orbit - the perigee. Tonight it will appear brighter and larger than usual - up to 30% brighter and 14% larger than a normal moon.
And finally - the Moon may in fact look more reddish as there is smoke from wild fires in the USA sitting in the atmosphere above the UK.
ENJOY!
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