The first supermoon of the year is set to illuminate the skies on Monday, appearing as the biggest and brightest full moon of 2024. This supermoon is also a blue moon, a rare occurrence that typically happens only once in a decade. The full moon is expected to rise on Monday afternoon and will be visible until Wednesday morning, appearing larger and brighter than previous full moons seen this year. This unique super blue moon event is not something to be missed, as the next occurrence will not happen until 2037.
A supermoon is when a full moon is in orbit at or near its closest point to the Earth, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance in the night sky. Monday’s supermoon is the first of four consecutive supermoons this year, with the following ones set to occur in September, October, and November. The blue moon that coincides with this supermoon has two definitions, a seasonal blue moon and a monthly blue moon. The seasonal blue moon, which will rise on Monday, is the third of four full moons in a single season, while a monthly blue moon is the second full moon within one calendar month.
Despite its name, the super blue moon will not actually appear blue in color. However, it will appear brighter than usual and be up to 14 percent bigger than when it is farthest from Earth. This difference in size is similar to the comparison between a quarter and a nickel. The last occurrence of a super blue moon was in August 2023, making it a rare event that does not happen frequently. NASA notes that the time between super blue moons is irregular, ranging from 10 to 20 years on average. The next super blue moon is predicted to take place in January 2037.
Overall, the upcoming super blue moon event on Monday is a captivating celestial phenomenon that offers a unique opportunity to observe a larger and brighter full moon in the night sky. This rare occurrence of a supermoon coupled with a blue moon is a rare event that happens only once every decade on average. The distinct appearance of the moon during this event, as well as its rarity, make it a spectacle worth witnessing. As the first supermoon of the year, this super blue moon marks the beginning of a series of consecutive supermoons that will take place throughout 2024, providing ample opportunities for skywatchers to marvel at the beauty of the night sky.
