Did you miss the amazing astronomical event last night? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many people watched this rare event, but if you didn’t, you might be wondering: when can you see it again?
A Super Blue Moon is special because it’s not just a blue moon (the second full moon in a month) but also a supermoon, where the moon looks bigger and brighter because it’s closer to Earth. That’s what made last night’s event so exciting for stargazers!
However, here’s the bad news: there won’t be another Super Blue Moon anytime soon.
When Is the Next Super Blue Moon?
The next Super Blue Moon won’t happen until 2037! Yes, you’ll have to wait 13 years for this rare event to occur again, and here’s something even more exciting: 2037 will feature two Super Blue Moons! The first will be in January 2037, and the second in March 2037. These back-to-back occurrences are extremely rare, so make sure to set a reminder far in advance if you missed this one
Why Are Super Blue Moons So Rare?
Super Blue Moons are rare because they combine two infrequent events: a blue moon, which occurs about once every two to three years, and a supermoon, which happens three to four times a year. However, only 3% of all full moons are blue moons, and 25% of all full moons are supermoons. The alignment of these two phenomena happening together is even more unusual, occurring roughly once every 10 to 20 years—like the spectacular event we just saw.
2024: A Supermoon Treat for Skygazers!
The good news is, this year is a treat for skywatchers, as last night’s Super Blue Moon was just the first of four consecutive supermoons! This means you have three more chances to witness a stunning supermoon in the upcoming months. Supermoons happen when the moon is closest to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. While not every supermoon is paired with a blue moon, they’re still a beautiful sight that lights up the night sky in a way that regular full moons don’t.
So, if you missed last night’s show, you still have time to enjoy the remaining three supermoons this year. Be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye on the sky for these lunar spectacles!
What About the Next Full Moon?
The good news is you don’t have to wait too long to see another full moon! The next one will rise on September 17, 2024, and it will be called the Harvest Moon. While it won’t be as big or bright as the Super Blue Moon, it’s still a beautiful sight and worth watching!
What to Do If You Missed It?
If you missed the Super Blue Moon, there are still plenty of ways to catch up on future sky events. You can join a local astronomy group or use stargazing apps to stay updated on upcoming celestial events, so you’ll be ready next time!
