What is a Blue Moon?
A blue moon is a pretty rare occurrence. These blue moons tend to occur every 2-3 years. However, the moon itself does not change color whatsoever, except in a special occasion such as a lunar eclipse. However there is something that will be really different this time. This moon is going to be significantly bigger and much more visible in the sky. Therefore, this will surely catch the attention of many Chicagoans as they are driving late at night, or even taking a walk.
What Makes This Blue Moon So Different?
There are many reasons as to why this blue moon will be different than the ones that have been seen before. Typically, when there is a super moon that is going to occur, it usually happens twice in one month. However, this super moon happens twice every 10-20 years. That is what makes this super moon a very rare occurrence, in comparison to the regular blue moon. This blue moon, NASA added, will be the final one until May 31, 2026. However, the next super blue moon won’t occur again until 2037, NASA stated. That being said, this will surely be the last chance that Chicagoans have to see this super blue moon, before another 10-20 years go by.
When Exactly Is This ‘Super Blue Moon’ Going To Rise?
Many are concluding that this Super Blue Moon is going to occur on Wednesday, August 30th. Therefore, if this is something that many are waiting to see, it is imperative that this date is marked on the calendar. “According to In the Sky, the Super Blue Moon will rise just after sunset at 7:10 p.m. EDT (2310 GMT) on Wednesday from the eastern horizon,” according to Space.com. Therefore, around 8 p.m. central time is when this moon is going to be visible. However, at around this time the moon will not be at its peak whatsoever. This time is just for when it starts to become visible in the sky.
There is a particular moment in time in which this moon will be completely visible and the absolute brightest in the sky. “The exact moment of full moon is defined as the point at which it is 180 degrees from the sun, completely opposite our star in the sky over Earth,” according to Space.com. Therefore, it will certainly take time for this moon to reach it’s highest potential, but many speculate this may be until 9-10 p.m.
Saturn May Also Be Visible With The Naked Eye
Along with this blue moon, Saturn may also be visible by the naked eye. However, it is recommended to have a telescope or even binoculars to be able to see Saturn much closer and better. “Those looking to the skies may also spot Saturn, which will be visible near the moon around 8:42 p.m. EDT and appear to swing clockwise around the moon as the evening progresses, according to NASA. Saturn should be visible just by looking up, but binoculars or a telescope will help viewers make out some of the planet’s distinguishing features,” according to CBS News. Therefore, there are two things to be looking out for within the next couple of days.
This is something that is quite beautiful, as well as quite rare at the same time. That is why, if this is something that you may want to see, to mark it down on your calendar. Being able to witness something of this magnitude does not happen often, especially a super blue moon. It is never set in stone at what exact time the super blue moon will come back again, but it will certainly take a very long time.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
NBC 5 News: August will end with a ‘super blue moon’ that won’t be seen again until 2037
Space.com: What time is the Super Blue Moon of 2023?
CBS News: A rare super blue moon arrives this week. Here’s how to see it.
Featured Image Courtesy of Ricardo Pardi’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mike Glenny’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
