Skygazers across India are gearing up to witness a rare and mesmerizing celestial event – the Super Blue Moon 2023. This phenomenal lunar triple whammy is definitely worth seeing as it combines a full moon, blue moon, and supermoon all in one. Read on to find out the date, time, and how you can observe this spectacular super blue moon from India today.
The super blue moon is a convergence of three separate lunar events – a full moon, a supermoon, and a blue moon – occurring simultaneously. This impressive celestial show is the result of a coincidence between the moon’s phases and its orbit. While full moons occur every month, supermoons and blue moons are rarer events. Their convergence produces an exceptionally bright and large-looking full moon that will be a visual treat for skywatchers.
When Will the Super Blue Moon Occur in India?
The super blue moon will be visible in the night and early morning skies over India on August 30 and 31, 2023.
Mark your calendars for the night of August 30 to catch sight of the super blue moon rising. The moon will reach its peak fullness and maximum brightness late in the evening, presenting optimal viewing conditions.
On August 31, you can observe the super blue moon high overhead reaching its highest point in the sky before dawn. So you have two opportunities to revel in this rare lunar triple play.
What Exactly Are the Supermoon, Full Moon and Blue Moon?
Before we find out how to observe the super blue moon, let’s understand what makes this event so special:
The Supermoon
A supermoon happens when a full moon coincides with the moon’s perigee or closest approach to Earth in its oval-shaped orbit. The moon can appear up to 7% bigger and 15% brighter than usual.
The Full Moon
A full moon occurs when the entirety of the moon’s sunlit side faces the Earth. The moon appears as a bright, completely illuminated disc.
The Blue Moon
A blue moon is the second full moon occurring in a calendar month. Moon phases repeat roughly every 29.5 days, so most months only have one full moon. When a second full moon occurs in a single month, it is known as a blue moon.
The convergence of all three moon events is what produces the super blue moon phenomenon.
What is the Exact Super Blue Moon Time in India?
Here are the key timings for the super blue moon 2023 that you need to mark in your diary:
- August 30 – The moon will rise above the eastern horizon after sunset in the early evening around 5:30 PM IST. For the best views, look towards the eastern sky after sunset to catch sight of the large glowing super blue moon rising.
- August 30 – The super blue moon will reach its peak fullness and maximum brightness around 9:30 PM IST. Look for it high overhead in the night sky.
- August 31 – The super blue moon will be visible throughout the night. It will reach its highest point in the sky around 7:30 AM IST before setting in the west. For predawn viewing, look towards the western sky before sunrise.
So for optimal sightings, view the super blue moon in the hours after sunset and before sunrise when the moon is rising or setting over the horizon.
Where in India Can I Get the Best View of the Super Blue Moon?
Since this celestial event is visible across India, observing locations do not matter too much. However, for ideal viewing conditions, find an open area with an unobstructed sightline towards the east and west.
Horizons that are low, clear and free from clutter will allow you to see the super blue moon clearly as it ascends over the eastern horizon after sunset on August 30 and sets in the west before dawn on August 31.
Steer clear of tall buildings, dense urban areas, and forested regions with thick tree cover to avoid obstructions. Head out of the city if you can and find an open area with panoramic sky views.
The coast or large lakesides, hills, parks and open fields offer good vantage points. Also pick a spot away from bright artificial lights that can interfere with visibility. For predawn viewing, high-altitude locations are best.
How Can I Watch the Super Blue Moon Safely?
Here are some tips to safely view the magnificent super blue moon of 2023:
- Use Binoculars or a Telescope: For an enhanced viewing experience, use binoculars or a basic telescope to get a close-up look at the moon’s craters and features. This will help reveal more detail.
- Photograph It: You’ll want to preserve this rare event, so capture it on your DSLR or phone camera using a tripod for crisp shots. Use manual settings and adjust ISO and exposure for moon photography.
- Watch Online: Can’t see the supermoon? Watch it online on live streams by space organizations. But try to catch it in person for the full experience.
- Protect Your Eyes: Never look directly at the bright moon with the naked eye. Use safe solar filters or eclipse glasses.
- Pick a Clear Night: Check the weather forecast and pick a clear night for optimal visibility. Avoid overcast conditions or storms.
- Join Local Events: Check if any astronomy groups or clubs are organizing public moon watching events to join.
- Share it on Social Media: Post your best pics and videos of the super blue moon on social media. Use hashtags like #SuperBlueMoon and #Supermoon2023.
So follow these observing tips and gear up for an eye-opening display unlike any other full moon. This triple lunar treat is sure to delight stargazers of all ages.
Why is the August 2023 Super Blue Moon Special for India?
This super blue moon holds special significance for India as it coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan on August 30 and 31.
Raksha Bandhan celebrates the loving bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred rakhi thread on their brothers’ wrists praying for their well-being and brothers promise protection in return.
The super blue moon happening on this auspicious festival is seen as a good omen. For many Indians, it represents the moon’s radiance and beauty blessing earth. The full moon also symbolizes completion and the fulfillment of wishes.
Astrologically, the super blue moon corresponds with the Hindu Lunar month of Shravan. Shravan is considered highly auspicious. Many Hindus perform ritual bathing and pay respects to deceased ancestors during this month.
Culturally, the super blue moon will be a visual delight doubling the festive cheer. The moon also carries mythological and spiritual significance in Hinduism. So expect this celestial event to draw renewed public interest for skywatching.
How Often Does a Super Blue Moon Occur?
While full moons occur every month, supermoons are less common. Supermoons occur only 3-4 times annually when a full moon coincides with perigee.
Blue moons also don’t happen too frequently. They occur once every 2 to 3 years on average.
So the synergy between all three lunar events is rare and special. Super blue moons occur just once every 2-3 years.
That’s what makes catching this super blue moon on August 30 and 31 a must-watch event. This is the last super blue moon that viewers in India and around the world can catch until 2037!
So grab this chance to see the magical super blue moon light up the skies. Track the main viewing times and whip out those binoculars for an unforgettable experience.
Quick Facts About the Super Blue Moon in India (2023):
- Rare triple lunar event – full moon + supermoon + blue moon
- Occurs on August 30 and 31
- Best viewing on Aug 30 after sunset and Aug 31 before sunrise
- Moon will rise in east around 5:30 PM on Aug 30
- Peak fullness around 9:30 PM on Aug 30
- Aligns with Raksha Bandhan festival
- Last super blue moon until 2037
- 7% bigger and 15% brighter than average full moon
- For best views find an open location with clear sightlines
Conclusion
The super blue moon promises to be an exceptional visual delight for skygazers across India. Taking place on the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, this rare lunar triple phenomenon is not to be missed.
Be sure to mark your calendars and set reminders for the evening of August 30 and dawn of August 31. Find an optimal observation spot, prep your binoculars and cameras, and get ready for an unforgettable celestial show. Stay tuned for more details on India’s tryst with the super blue moon 2023!