This phenomenon takes place approximately every two and a half years, and will take place on the next night of Sunday, August 22. It will be the second full moon of the month and can be seen from 2:02 p.m.
Even though it’s called a blue moon, don’t expect to see bluish tones on our natural satellite. It receives this name to refer to the fact that it is the second full moon in the same calendar month.
This Blue Moon is the result of an unusually scheduled summer (or winter, for those below the equator). It’s actually a scientific term: in this case, it means the period of time between the June solstice and the September equinox. Normally, the seasons spanning the times between the solstices and the equinoxes last three months, and therefore we see three full moons. But this year, the June full moon occurred just three days after the solstice, leaving enough summer time for four full moons in total.
So the moon never looks blue?
The Moon can appear bluish in color when the atmosphere is charged with certain particles that scatter red light. When forest fires take place, for example. This can happen to any moon, not just when it is full.
When will be the best time to see the blue moon?
On Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22. The Moon will be full at 12:02 am UTC on Sunday.
If you cannot see this full moon, you will have to wait until August 2024 for the next one. Remember that to observe the night sky, it is best to get as far away as possible from the light pollution of the cities and embrace the dark skies to look for the beautiful moon.
