The blue supermoon is an astronomical event that not only fascinates scientists and sky watchers, but also appeals to romantics and mystics alike. What exactly is this rare moon that is neither blue nor actually "super" in the sense of supernatural? Let's delve into the mystery of this breathtaking natural phenomenon.
What is a supermoon?
A "supermoon" occurs when the full moon coincides with the point in its orbit around the Earth where it is closest to us, called perigee. This constellation makes the moon appear about 14% larger and up to 30% brighter than an average full moon.