Super blue moon explainer

The supermoon effect is caused when the moon is at its closest point to the earth. The moon has an oval shaped orbit around the earth, and at times can appear larger or smaller.

Compared to the moon at its furthest point, called apogee, the supermoon, or perigee, can appear 14% bigger and 30% brighter. Now supermoons are fairly common, with usually three to four happening a year, and the next one is expected to happen in September, so if you miss this one, not fret. But with clear skies tonight, it will be a great night to view the moon. Moonrise is at 8:59 p.m., Monday.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “once in a blue moon”, but what is a blue moon? Now there are a couple of definitions that you may have heard, one being that it is the second full moon of a month, but that is the monthly blue moon.

The true definition is the third full moon of four in a season, this season being summer. The moon also will not appear blue. Blue moons are definitely rarer than supermoons, with the next one happening in May 2026, but the combination of a true-blue moon and a supermoon happening, is even more rare, with the next one not happening until January 2037. Again, tonight is going to be a great night to view the moon, with clear skies and a light breeze, though it could get a little chilly, with a low of 52.