Your Guide to the August Blue Supermoon in California; What is it? Where to see it?

Every so often, the night sky graces us with celestial spectacles that ignite our imagination and remind us of our small place in the vast cosmos. This week, skygazers in California are preparing for a mesmerizing sight: the blue supermoon. It’s a celestial event that's both rare and awe-inspiring. But what exactly is a blue supermoon, and why is it capturing so many headlines?

Defining the Blue Supermoon

First, let's debunk a common misconception: the term “blue” in Blue Supermoon doesn’t refer to the moon's color. Rather, it describes the unusual occurrence of two full moons in one calendar month, with the second being termed 'blue.' This is where the term “once in a blue moon” comes from if you were wondering. This particular Blue Moon is unique because it's also a Supermoon, a phenomenon where the moon is at its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. The confluence of these two events is a rarity, and California is one of the prime locations to observe this celestial marvel.

Why This Event is Special

According to the sources, the last time we witnessed a blue supermoon was in 2018. However, this year’s spectacle is all the more significant due to its extraordinary brightness and size. As reported by Space.com, the moon will appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter, turning our evening skies into a luminous canvas.

Californians can take advantage of the clear skies and vast stretches of less light-polluted areas in the state, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to enjoy this natural display. The Golden State's diverse topography, from its vast deserts to towering mountain ranges, offers multiple vantage points to watch and photograph the moon in all its glory.

When and Where to Watch

For those keen on catching this dazzling event, here are the details. As per In-The-Sky.org, the moon will be fullest at precisely 11:35 PM Pacific Time on August 31, 2023. However, the moon will start to rise and illuminate the horizon earlier in the evening, providing ample opportunities for viewing.

For the best experience, choose a location away from city lights, where the horizon is unobstructed. Elevated places like the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles or the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains offer stunning panoramas. However, even if you're in an urban area, you can still enjoy the sight; just find a spot with minimal light interference. Even walking out into the street or catching the view from your roof could be enough. Just ensure you see this phenomenon.

Capturing the Moment

For photography enthusiasts, this is a dream opportunity. Using a tripod can help stabilize your shots, especially if you’re using a telephoto lens. Don’t forget to experiment with different settings such as shutter speed and focal length and consider incorporating elements of the landscape to give context and scale to your moon images.

The blue supermoon is more than just an astronomical event; it's a reminder of the enduring wonders of our universe. For those in California and beyond, it provides a moment of reflection and connection, a time when we can look up and marvel at the vastness and beauty of the cosmos. Make sure you don’t miss out on this rare celestial ballet, as the stars and the moon dance together in the sky above.