Belgium is gearing up for a spectacular lunar event tonight, as a rare ‘blue supermoon’ graces the night sky.
This celestial phenomenon will make the full moon appear approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual, offering a striking view for stargazers across the country.
The term ‘supermoon,’ coined by US astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, refers to a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee.
According to NASA, tonight’s supermoon is the first of four consecutive supermoons this year. The moon will come even closer to Earth in September and October, providing additional opportunities to witness this spectacular sight.
Tonight’s full moon is also a ‘blue moon,’ a term that does not refer to the color of the moon but rather to its occurrence.
A blue moon happens when there are two full moons in a single calendar month or four full moons within a single season. This month’s blue moon is the third of four full moons this season, making it a particularly rare event.
While the blue supermoon is not expected to appear blue in color, it will likely exhibit a more yellow or orange hue.
This coloration is due to the moon’s low position on the horizon, which causes its light to travel through a thicker layer of Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, shorter blue light wavelengths are scattered away, leaving the moon with a warmer tone.
This rare alignment of a blue moon and a supermoon is not something that occurs frequently. The next chance to witness such a phenomenon won’t be until 2037. The coincidence of these two events makes tonight’s lunar display particularly noteworthy for sky watchers.
Despite the excitement surrounding this event, Belgium’s Royal Meteorological Institute has forecasted some cloud cover over the region this evening.
However, the blue supermoon should remain visible throughout the night and into the early hours of Tuesday morning. Sunset is expected to occur just before 21:00 local time, with the moonrise scheduled for shortly after at 21:15.
For those looking to make the most of this celestial event, viewing conditions are best in areas with dark skies and minimal light pollution. Using a small telescope or binoculars will enhance the viewing experience, allowing observers to see more details of the moon’s surface.
Enthusiasts who missed out on Sunday night’s full moon—when the lunar event was also notably bright—will have another opportunity to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary phenomenon.
NASA has confirmed that the moon will appear full from Sunday morning through to early Wednesday morning, providing an extended window to enjoy the lunar spectacle.
As the blue supermoon rises tonight, it promises to offer a memorable and visually stunning experience for those who take the time to look up and witness this rare astronomical occurrence.
