The Moon will put on a spectacle this week starting today. We will get to witness a 'supermoon' meaning Earth's natural satellite will be almost at its closest distance to Earth. This moon is also called 'Blue Moon' whose history dates back to the 1500s.
All About The Blue Moon
The Blue Moon is actually a misnomer as the Moon itself will not appear blue. There are two definitions of Blue Moon based on their seasonal and monthly appearance. This blue Moon will be the third full Moon in the (summer) season where four such events take place, according to NASA. The second definition says a blue Moon is when the Moon rises full twice in a month.
Besides, it will also be a supermoon, meaning the Moon will be within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth for three days. This term was coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle.
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Due to this reason, supermoons appear the biggest and brightest than the rest of the time in a year. Monday's supermoon will appear 30 percent brighter and 14 percent larger than usual. Notably, the Moon can take on a bluish hue due to scattering of light off dust particles, but in very rare circumstances.
As for its name Blue Moon, NASA says its first recorded use in English dates from 1528. There are several other names for the Blue Moon such as the Red Moon, the Corn or Green Corn Moon, the Barley Moon, the Herb Moon, the Grain Moon, and the Dog Moon.
The month of August already brought several big cosmic events like the Perseid meteor shower and the conjunction of Mars and Jupiter. NASA says there will be a great opportunity for viewing Saturn on September 7 as the planet will be closest and brightest.
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