Super Blue Moon, a celestial wonder

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Super Blue Moon phenomenon, the occasion on which the moon can be seen at an extraordinary size and brightness, was visible yesterday. Devotees consider the sighting of the Super Blue Moon on the full moon day of Bhadra month, which is also the day of Rakshabandhan, to be special. The moonrise was at 8:37 pm last night but the super blue moon started being visible around 9:30 pm. A super blue moon is when the moon is larger and 16% brighter than usual.

Moon is 3.84 lakh km from Earth. Due to the peculiarities of its course, it will come close to Earth at 3.57 lakh km. It will look very bright and big when that happens. the phenomenon will be visible till 7 am today. Europe will see a super blue moon today evening. Super Blue Moon is visible in India because moonrise is possible in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. The next Super Blue Moon will be in 2037.