For those captivated by the night sky, tonight presents a rare celestial treat as Pakistan witnesses a stunning super blue moon, a rare occurrence.
Whether you’re an avid stargazer or simply enjoy watching the stars, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Stargazers across Pakistan are in for a spectacle as the country experiences its first super blue moon of the year today (Monday), according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).
This awe-inspiring sight comes a year after the Sturgeon moon brightened the skies on August 1, followed by a super blue moon on August 30.
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, approximately 363,300 kilometers away, making it appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual.
Though “supermoon” is not an official astronomical term, it refers to a full moon that occurs when the moon is closest to Earth.
Suparco announced that the blue moon will be visible in Pakistan at 11:26 PM, marking the first supermoon of the year. The next three supermoons are expected on September 18, October 17, and November 15.
While a full moon occurs every month, there are times when two full moons appear within the same lunar calendar month. The second moon in such a case is known as a Blue Moon, though it has nothing to do with the color blue.
The term “Blue Moon” can be confusing, especially since this is the only full moon in August this year. Astronomers clarify that the term refers to multiple full moons within a specific period.
There are two types of blue moons: a “seasonal blue moon,” which is the third full moon in a season of four, and the more common blue moon, which is the second full moon in a calendar month. This year’s blue moon is a seasonal blue moon, being the third full moon in a season of four.