KARACHI: A rare astronomical event, the Super Blue Moon, will grace the skies of Pakistan tonight, Monday, August 19, 2024, at 11:26 PM, according to the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
This celestial phenomenon marks the first Super Moon of the year for Pakistan, with three more expected on September 18, October 17, and November 15. The Super Blue Moon occurs when the moon appears 14% larger and brighter than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth, making it a spectacular sight for stargazers.
The moon will be approximately 226,000 miles from Earth during this event. Though the moon doesn’t actually change in size, its closer orbit makes it appear larger and more luminous.
It’s important to note that tonight’s moon is a Seasonal Blue Moon, a rare occurrence that won’t be seen again until 2037. The term “Blue Moon” does not imply a change in color but originates from a 19th-century volcanic eruption that caused the full moon to take on a bluish tint, leading to the expression “Once in a Blue Moon” to describe rare events.
NASA explains that a Super Moon refers to the full or new moon phase coinciding with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, within 90% of its nearest point in orbit. Top of Form
