31 August 2023
A rare blue supermoon — the closest full moon of the year — dazzled stargazers Wednesday night.
Saturn joined the celestial spectacle, visible alongside the moon, at least where skies were clear.
It was the second full moon of August, thus the blue label. And it was unusually close to Earth, therefore a supermoon.
The moon appeared to be bigger and brighter than usual, given its close proximity to Earth: just 222,043 miles or so. The Aug. 1 supermoon was more than 100 miles farther away.
If you missed it, it will be a long wait: The next blue supermoon isn’t until 2037. But another regular supermoon is on the horizon at the end of September, the last one of the year.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Related Articles
Photos: Minnesota State Fair heats up while butter sculptures stay cool
Photos: Irish Fair at Harriet Island with visit from Ireland’s U.S. ambassador
Photos: Parade-goers defy the forecast to celebrate Independence Day at Eagan’s Funfest