This Rakshabandhan, there’s something extra special to look forward to in the sky. On August 19, 2024, a rare and beautiful event called a Super Blue Moon will brighten the night. This event is not just about the full moon but a unique kind that appears bigger and brighter than usual.

What is a Super Blue Moon?

• Supermoon: A supermoon happens when the full moon is closest to Earth. This makes the moon look about 30% brighter and 14% larger than on other nights. The term “supermoon” became popular because it describes how big and bright the moon looks during this time.
• Blue Moon: A blue moon isn’t about the color of the moon. Instead, it’s a rare event when there’s an extra full moon in a season. Normally, each season has three full moons, but sometimes there’s a fourth, and that’s called a blue moon.

When and Where to See It

The Super Blue Moon will be at its brightest at 11:56 PM IST on August 19, 2024. However, it will look nearly full and very bright the night before and the night after.

This moon will appear especially large when it’s near the horizon because our eyes compare it to things like trees and buildings, making it look even bigger.

More Supermoons This Year

After this special Super Blue Moon, there will be three more supermoons in 2024:

• September 17: The second supermoon.
• October 17: This will be the closest and brightest supermoon of the year.
• November 15: The last supermoon of 2024.

Why It’s Special

This Super Blue Moon on Rakshabandhan is a perfect mix of a special festival and a rare natural event. As you celebrate with your siblings, take a moment to look up at the sky and enjoy the beauty of this extraordinary moon. It’s a reminder of the amazing things in our universe that everyone can enjoy.