According to experts, the moon will appear largest at dusk, and those with binoculars might even catch a glimpse of Saturn’s rings.
A Rare Blue Supermoon This Week
Stargazers around the world will witness a rare blue supermoon this week, with the celestial event occurring on Monday night into Tuesday morning. The moon will appear about a seventh bigger and brighter as a blue moon and supermoon coincide.
What Is a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit while also being full or new. Typically, the moon sits about 384,000km from Earth, but on Monday night, it will be 23,000km closer—almost double Earth’s diameter.
What Is a Blue Moon?
A blue moon happens every two to three years when there are two full moons within a single calendar month or four full moons within a season. Despite the name, the moon won’t appear blue; instead, it will take on a more red or yellow hue at dusk due to atmospheric refraction.
When and Where Can You See the Blue Supermoon?
According to NASA, the supermoon will appear full for three days, from Sunday morning through early Wednesday morning. The moon will reach its closest point to Earth at 4:26 am AEST on Tuesday (2:26 pm EDT on Monday). However, Australian stargazers should look to the skies on Monday evening for the best view.
The moon is expected to rise at about 5 pm and become fully visible over the horizon from around 6 pm across Australia’s capital cities. Macquarie University astronomer Prof Richard de Grijs recommends viewing the moon at dusk for the largest appearance.
Saturn Joins the Show
Monday evening will also present an opportunity to see the moon alongside Saturn. University of Queensland astrophysicist Benjamin Pope suggests using a small telescope or binoculars to see Saturn’s rings and the lunar surface’s beautiful details.
Weather Conditions for Viewing
Most of Australia will have clearer skies on Monday evening than on Tuesday, so stargazers are advised to head out early. The Bureau of Meteorology’s senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury notes that the earlier in the night, the better for clearer skies.
Cities on Australia’s east coast will experience mostly clear, dry conditions on Monday evening, although clouds will increase overnight. Melbourne may see showers increasing into Tuesday morning, while Adelaide and Perth are likely to have clouds and possible showers. Darwin, however, is forecasted to have a clear, dry Monday night.
When Is the Next Blue Supermoon?
Supermoons occur three or four times a year, with the next ones expected on 18 September, 17 October, and 16 November. September’s supermoon will be even closer to Earth, at 27,000km away. Blue moons are much rarer, with the next one expected in May 2026, though it won’t be a supermoon. It will be at least three years before the next blue supermoon arrives.
