Stargazers in Pakistan are in for a celestial delight as a rare Super Blue Moon will illuminate the skies on August 19.
This extraordinary event, where the moon appears larger and brighter due to its close proximity to Earth, will be visible worldwide, including in Pakistan.
A Supermoon occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. This month’s Supermoon is especially noteworthy because it coincides with a Blue Moon, a phenomenon steeped in historical intrigue.
The term “Blue Moon” doesn’t refer to a change in the moon’s color but is linked to a curious historical event. In the 19th century, a volcanic eruption caused unusual atmospheric conditions, giving the full moon a bluish tint. Since then, the term “Blue Moon” has been used to describe rare lunar events.
There are two types of Blue Moons: the Seasonal Blue Moon, which is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons, and the Monthly Blue Moon, which refers to the second full moon in a calendar month.
The upcoming moon on August 19 is a Seasonal Blue Moon, a spectacle that won’t recur until 2037.
This event marks the beginning of a series of Supermoons set to appear consecutively from August through November 2024, offering sky enthusiasts multiple opportunities to witness the moon in all its splendor.
On August 19, the moon will be about 226,000 miles from Earth, promising a breathtaking view for onlookers across the country.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
