August was a real treat for astronomy enthusiasts, as it saw a number of unusual celestial events brightening up the night sky. Starting with a gorgeous Super Sturgeon Moon at the beginning of the month, followed by a dazzling Perseid meteor shower, popularly known as the St. Lawrence Night, and climaxing with the second full moon at the end of the month, a so-called super blue moon.
The supermoon refers to the phase of the full moon that occurs when our natural satellite approaches perigee, the closest point in its orbit to Earth. At that moment, the Moon appears slightly larger in angular size and brighter, due to its proximity. These differences, though slight, are noticeable to the naked eye.
A remarkable 800-year-old mathematical trick could hold the key to lunar navigation in future space missions. According to astronomers’ calculations, the next full moon will be only 357,344 kilometers from Earth, which represents the closest satellite passage throughout the year. It is worth noting that the average distance of the Moon from Earth is about 384,400 km.
It is important to clarify that the Super Blue Moon does not acquire a blue tint. In fact, the term “blue moon” (which in this case refers to nearness) is used to describe the second full moon in a month. This confusion originated in English, a language in which “blue” refers not only to a color but also to a somber state of mind. Since there is usually only one full moon in a month, the occurrence of a second full moon is seen as an “out of the ordinary” condition, associated with a sad emotional state.
Although it is not observed very often, the full moon occurs twice a month every 2.8 years. This is a consequence of the lunar month, which is the time it takes for the moon to complete its orbit around the earth and realign itself with the sun. Every 2.8 years, instead of 12 full moons in a year, we have 13, and this allows for the second full moon to occur at the end of the month, if the first occurred earlier in the month.
Although it is rare, in May 2026 we will once again have the opportunity to estimate two full moons in one month. Therefore, we cannot miss the opportunity to witness the super blue moon tonight, from August 30 to 31.
Source: Meteoride
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