Breathtaking Views of the Rare Super Blue Moon Across the World

Every stargazer was treated to a rare astronomical spectacle on Monday, August 19, as a combination of a supermoon and a blue moon graced the sky.

The last time the world witnessed this lunar phenomenon was in August 2023.

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee) and appears full, while a blue moon refers to the occurrence of two full moons within the same calendar month.

While supermoons are relatively common, making up about 25% of full moons, blue moons are a rare sight, accounting for only 3% of full moons.

Contrary to its name, the moon doesn't appear blue unless specific atmospheric conditions, such as smoke or dust scattering light, cause the moon to take on a bluish hue.

Historically, the term “Blue Moon” has referred to the third full moon in a season that has four full moons, which is quite elusive.

The combination of a supermoon and a blue moon is infrequent, occurring roughly once every ten years on average. The next super blue moons are expected in January and March 2037.