Rare Blue Supermoon Shines This Week in Upstate NY

Check out the second supermoon of 2023 that will light up the night sky this week. This supermoon is special because it's not only the closest and brightest full moon of the year but also the second full moon in a single month, which we call a blue moon.

What Is A Supermoon?

Imagine the moon usually being far away from us as it travels in an oval path around Earth. On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, it will come closer than usual, only about 222,043 miles away. This closeness makes it look a bit bigger and much brighter than usual, earning it the Supermoon title. It's like having a super-sized moon in the sky for one night.

Will The Moon Appear Blue?

Don't be confused by the name "blue moon." It doesn't mean the moon will turn blue. Instead, it's just a term used when there are two full moons in one month. So, it's a rare event that happens not so often. It last happened in 2018 and it won't happen again until 2037.

This year's first supermoon happened in July, and the last one will be in September. The two in August are extra special because they're closer to us than the others. NASA states that the closest supermoons can appear about 17% larger and 30% brighter than the farthest ones, although it's not a huge difference.

When Is The Best Time To View The Blue Supermoon?

So, on the night of August 30, 2023, look up at the sky at 9:36 p.m., and you'll see a supermoon. It won't be blue, but it will be a stunning and rare sight.