A rare blue supermoon will be visible this week, appearing larger and brighter than usual, and won’t reappear until 2037.
What’s happening: The blue supermoon, resulting from the moon’s simultaneous fullness and closest point in its orbit around Earth, is set to reach its fullest stage on Wednesday.
* The moon will come “exceptionally close” to Earth at 222,043 miles, almost 17,000 miles closer than average, making it appear “about 8% larger and 15% brighter than a normal full moon,” according to lunar topographic studies coordinator Dave Teske.
Defining the terms: A supermoon is the term for when the moon is at its closest point to Earth, while a blue moon is indicative of the infrequent occurrence of two full moons in the span of a single month.
* The phenomenon has nothing to do with color. The last blue supermoon was in December 2009, and the next won’t be until January 2037.
How to observe: The moon will officially turn full at 9
* Amateur astronomers suggest watching the moonrise in the east or moonset in the west for an especially large view. Tools like binoculars or telescopes can enhance the viewing experience, though are not necessary for enjoyment.
A potential caution: The close proximity of the moon can result in elevated tide ranges, which could cause some coastal flooding, particularly along the gulf coast of Florida where Hurricane Idalia is expected to make landfall early Wednesday.
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