A Rare Blue Supermoon Will Shine Over the Night Sky in Northern California this Week

This week, the skies of Northern California will be graced by the first of 2024’s four consecutive supermoons, and it’s not just any supermoon—it’s a Blue Supermoon. From Sunday through Wednesday, astronomy enthusiasts and casual stargazers alike will have the chance to witness this rare lunar event.

The Blue Supermoon will reach its peak illumination on Monday, August 19, at 11:26 a.m. PDT, but it will appear full for several days, starting on Sunday morning and continuing through early Wednesday.

A supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth at the same time as it’s full. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon—up to 16% brighter, according to NASA. During this week’s supermoon peak, the moon will be approximately 225,288 miles from Earth, making it a striking sight against the backdrop of Northern California’s clear summer skies.

Despite its name, the Blue Moon won’t actually appear blue. The term “Blue Moon” has nothing to do with color; it refers to either the third full moon in a season with four full moons or the second full moon in a calendar month. This August’s Blue Supermoon falls under the first category, making it a rare event that won’t happen again for some time.

The Blue Supermoon can be observed with the naked eye, but for those looking to get an even closer look, binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or just love a good stargazing session, this week’s supermoon is not to be missed.

Mark your calendars and set your alarms—this is a cosmic show you’ll want to see. And don’t forget, this is just the beginning! The next supermoon will light up the skies in September, followed by two more in October and November.