How Cool is This? North Dakota is Set to See a Supermoon Blue Moon!

Get ready, sky gazers! North Dakota, along with the rest of the world, is about to witness a celestial event that's as rare as it is breathtaking: the Supermoon Blue Moon. Yes, you read that right—a Supermoon Blue Moon. Mark your calendars for Monday, August 19, 2024, at 2:26 p.m. EDT (1826 GMT) because that's when this spectacular lunar event will light up the sky.

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But what exactly makes a Supermoon Blue Moon so special? Let’s break it down.

First, let's talk about the term "supermoon." According to space.com, astrologer Richard Nolle first used this term in 1979 to describe either a new or full moon that happens when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. This proximity makes a full supermoon the biggest and brightest full moon of the year, appearing up to 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual.

While these numbers might sound significant, the difference is often hard to spot with the unaided eye unless you're a seasoned moon-watcher. What people sometimes notice more is the "moon illusion," where the moon appears much larger when it's near the horizon than when it's high in the sky. Our brains' interpretation of distance and size is what causes this perception trick. Photographers love to take advantage of this effect to create stunning images.

Now, onto the "Blue Moon" part. Contrary to what the name suggests, a Blue Moon isn't actually blue. Instead, it refers to the rare occurrence of a second full moon in a single calendar month. Combine this with the supermoon, and you’ve got yourself a Supermoon Blue Moon—a twice-in-a-blue-moon event. This is your science lesson for the day!

And here’s more to look forward to: August's Supermoon is just the first of four in a row this year, with others occurring on September 17, October 17, and November 15. The closest and arguably most impressive of these will be October’s Hunter’s Moon, which will rise at 7:26 a.m. ET (1126 GMT) on October 17.

So, grab your telescopes, prepare your cameras, and get ready to be amazed by one of nature's most spectacular shows. This is an event you won’t want to miss!