A blue micromoon will occur this weekend, visible from the UK. A blue moon is the second full moon within a single calendar month, which happens every two to three years. This event is also a micromoon because the Moon will be near its furthest point from Earth, making it slightly smaller and dimmer, though the change is subtle. The Moon will reach peak illumination on Sunday, while Saturday evening offers the best viewing because it rises shortly after sunset and remains visible overnight. The Moon may look orange or red near the horizon due to atmospheric scattering, and it can appear larger because of the moon illusion.
"A blue moon is the second full moon within a single calendar month, something that happens only every two to three years. Despite the name, the moon will not actually appear blue. This year's event is also a micromoon, meaning the moon is near the furthest point in its orbit from Earth. It may appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, although the difference is subtle."
"The blue micromoon will reach peak illumination on Sunday. However, the best time for stargazers will be on Saturday evening when the moon rises shortly after sunset and stays visible throughout the night, Mr Jones explained. It will sit relatively low in the southern sky, so choosing a spot with clear views of the eastern and southern horizon, away from tall buildings and trees, will provide the best experience."
"As the moon rises or sets near the horizon it can take on orange, amber or reddish tones. This is because Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of light. The well-known 'moon illusion' can also make the moon appear larger when it is low in the sky, even though its actual size does not change."
Read at Mail Online
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