ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 19: On August 19, skywatchers in Pakistan are in for a treat as a super blue moon illuminates the sky. This uncommon celestial phenomenon will be witnessed for the first time this year. This magnificent occurrence comes after the world’s most watched celestial events of the previous year, which included the super blue moon on August 30 and the sturgeon moon on August 1.
According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), Pakistan will witness its first supermoon of the year at 11:26 PM tonight. The supermoons that are coming up are scheduled for September 18, October 17, and November 15.
A supermoon is when the moon appears 14% larger and shines 30% brighter when it is closest to Earth, which is approximately 363,300 kilometers away. The word “supermoon” describes a full moon that happens when the moon’s orbit brings it closer to Earth, even though it is not an official term in astronomy.
Every month has a full moon, although on rare occasions the lunar calendar will have two full moons in one month. A Blue Moon occurs during the second full moon of a month like this. It doesn’t allude to the hue of the moon, despite the name.
Stargazers are frequently perplexed by the moniker “Blue Moon,” especially since this year’s single full moon occurs in August. To be clear, astronomers define a “Blue Moon” as several full moons occurring during a particular time frame.