UAE Blue Moon: Residents to Witness Celestial Phenomenon This Month
Residents in the UAE will be able to witness a rare celestial phenomenon at the end of this month. Most commonly known as the ‘Blue Moon’, the phenomenon is expected to take place between August 30-31.
At the same time that the event is expected to take place, the Earth will also be witnessing what is called a ‘Supermoon’, an instance where the Moon is at its closest point to the Earth, making the phenomenon that is set to take place at the end of the month a super blue moon.
What is a blue moon?
A ‘Blue Moon’ is the term used to describe the instance where two full moons take place within one calendar month.
According to NASA, “a trifecta of labels is being applied to the Moon of Aug. 30-31, 2023. It’s a full moon, a supermoon, and finally a blue moon.”
The event takes place every two to three years and the supermoon takes place two to three times a year, however, the combination of the two only takes place once every 20 years.
“The next super blue moons will occur in a pair, in January and March 2037,” NASA explains on its website.
How to watch?
The Dubai Astronomy Center is hosting a rare event observation at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Center. For those who are interested, the event will cost AED60 for an adult ticket and AED40 for a kids ticket (under 13).
Event Inclusions:
- 07:00 PM – Lecture explaining the blue moon phenomenon
- 07:20 PM – Q & A Session
- 07:30 PM – Moon rise
- Telescope Observation of the Moon throughout the event.
- Phone photography of the Moon through the telescopes.
