Tonight’s moon is more than just a normal full moon – it is a blue supermoon. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. Simultaneously, the term “blue moon” refers to the third full moon in a season that has four full moons, a relatively uncommon event. While a blue supermoon typically happens about once every decade, a similar event took place just last August, according to NASA.
While the blue super moon reached peak fullness at 2:26 p.m. EDT on Monday, the best visual experience might occur during moonrise or moonset. The moon will appear particularly large when it rises in the east or sets in the west, creating an optical illusion known as the “moon illusion,” where the moon appears bigger against the horizon.
To plan your viewing, you can check the exact moonrise and moonset times using the U.S. Navy’s Moonrise calendar. If you’re looking for a more detailed view, using a telescope or binoculars will enhance the experience. While the moon will appear full for three days, tonight’s will be the true supermoon.
