Calling all stargazers and moon enthusiasts! Buckle up because August 2023 is going to be a wild ride. We're not just talking about the usual summer heatwaves or the inevitable back-to-school sales. No, we're talking about something far more exciting - a double supermoon extravaganza and a rare blue moon appearance!
Supermoons are like the celebrities of the lunar world. They're bigger, brighter, and demand your attention. They occur when the moon, in its elliptical orbit, decides to cozy up a bit closer to Earth. It's like the moon saying, "Hey, Earth, how you doin'?"
Now, the moon isn't always this sociable. Sometimes it likes to keep its distance, chilling about 253,000 miles away at its apogee. But when it's feeling friendly, it swings by to about 226,000 miles from Earth at its perigee. And when this coincides with a full moon, voila! We get a supermoon.
But hold onto your hats, because this August isn't just bringing us one supermoon. Oh no, it's bringing us two! And the second one is a rare blue moon. Now, before you get too excited, let me clarify - the moon isn't actually going to turn blue. The term "blue moon" is just a fancy way of saying it's the second full moon in a single calendar month. It's like the moon's version of a leap year, but instead of an extra day, we get an extra moon!
The first supermoon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, will make its grand entrance on August 1. This moon is named after the sturgeon fish, which were historically caught in abundance during this month. But if fish aren't your thing, you can also call it the Grain Moon, the Green Corn Moon, the Barley Moon, or the Fruit Moon. Basically, it's the "all-you-can-eat buffet" of moons.
Then, to wrap up the month with a bang, we'll be treated to a blue moon on August 30. This isn't just any blue moon, though. It's also a supermoon, and it's going to be the closest full moon to Earth for the entire year. Talk about a grand finale!
So, whether you're an avid astronomer or just someone who appreciates a good moon, make sure to mark your calendars. Find a spot away from city lights, grab your telescope or binoculars, and get ready for a spectacular lunar show. And remember, if anyone asks why you're so excited about the moon, just tell them, "Because it's super, man!"
