California Stargazers Await Blue Supermoon Tonight

California astronomers and stargazers will see the first of 4 supermoon's for the next 4 months. Tonight will be a blue supermoon.Photo byIgor OmilaevonUnsplash

August has been a fun month for astronomers and stargazers in California and abroad, and the fun seems to be continuing. From a rare view of the Northern Lights to the latest spectacle, which was Perseid's meteor showers. Now Californians and the rest of the country will see the first of four straight months of supermoons. Usually there are two to three supermoons a year, but this year there will be a fourth that will run through Thanksgiving. The one on August 19 will also be a blue supermoon.

What Is A Supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest to Earth at the same time it is full. Astrologer Richard Nolle named the supermoons in 1979, which describe a new or full moon that is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. A supermoon occurs normally 2–3 times a year. It's larger and brighter than a regular moon, so it's much bigger in the sky.

A Blue Supermoon:

From Monday to Wednesday, the supermoon will be a special one. It is called a blue moon. A blue moon has little to do with color, and it has to do with the timing of the full moon. Below is the definition of a blue moon and the facts surrounding it.

The blue moon will be brightest on Monday but will still be seen during the week.

According to NASA and other experts, the blue supermoon can be easily seen with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope are ideal for it. Contact your local exploratorium or space and science center near you, and sometimes they have free special viewings that you can ask to be a part of.