The year’s biggest & brightest supermoon peaks this week: When to see the Blue Moon in NC
This August is bookended by large, full illuminating the night sky, and a supermoon this Wednesday is expected to be extra big and bright.
Wednesday’s moon is known as a “Blue Moon,” though it’s not because the moon has a blue-ish hue.
The term “Blue Moon” is used whenever there are two full moons in one month. The first of the month (which was known as the Sturgeon Moon) was on Aug. 1.
Wednesday’s supermoon is expected to be “the biggest and brightest supermoon this year,” Fox Carolina wrote.
How to see Wednesday’s supermoon in Raleigh, NC
For the best viewing experience, it’s recommended to observe the supermoon as it rises, which will be soon after sunset and during the dusk hours, the Economic Times wrote.
▪ Sunset: On Wednesday, the sunset is expected at 7:44 p.m., according to timeanddate.com.
▪ Weather: Wednesday’s evening weather forecast looks rainy and cloudy. Here’s what weather.com says of Raleigh:
Rain early, then remaining cloudy with showers late. Low 67F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Moonrise 7:55 p.m., moonset 5:55 a.m.
Daytime is expected to be “cloudy with showers” and a 50% chance of rain.
Other times to see the full moon: You can also see the Blue Moon on Tuesday and Thursday, says space.com, but it will be at its peak on Wednesday.
▪ Viewing events: The Raleigh Astronomy Club will host a super blue moon viewing event on the rooftop of The Willard in Raleigh on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Visit thewillardraleigh.com/happenings/stargazing for more information.
You can also check out NASA’s planner page, which offers daily stargazing tips, monthly sky maps and videos. Visit nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/planner.cfm for more information.
This story was originally published August 29, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "The year’s biggest & brightest supermoon peaks this week: When to see the Blue Moon in NC."
