Stargazers in Pakistan are in for a rare celestial event as a Super Blue Moon is set to light up the skies on August 19. This unique astronomical phenomenon, where the moon appears larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth, will be visible worldwide, including in Pakistan.
A Supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. What makes this particular Supermoon special is that it coincides with a Blue Moon, a term with historical significance. The term “Blue Moon” originated from a 19th-century volcanic eruption that caused unusual atmospheric conditions, giving the full moon a blue tint. Since then, it has been used to describe rare lunar events.
There are two types of Blue Moons: the Seasonal Blue Moon, which is the third full moon in a season with four full moons, and the Monthly Blue Moon, which is the second full moon in a calendar month. The Super Blue Moon on August 19 is a Seasonal Blue Moon, a spectacle that won’t be seen again until 2037.
This event kicks off a series of Supermoons from August through November 2024, providing sky enthusiasts with multiple opportunities to witness the moon’s grandeur. On August 19, the moon will be about 226,000 miles from Earth, promising a captivating view for observers across Pakistan.
