"Tens of thousands of times brighter than the brightest star."
A rare celestial event is set to grace Australian skies this Sunday, May 31: a blue micromoon. This unique phenomenon combines two distinct astronomical occurrences into one night.
What to Expect
The moon will appear full, bright, and strikingly luminous. Astronomer Laura Driessen describes it as "tens of thousands of times brighter than the brightest star," offering a stunning visual for any stargazer.
Breaking Down the Phenomenon
This event is the result of two separate cycles aligning:
- A "Blue Moon": This refers to a calendar blue moon—the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month. The first full moon of May took place earlier in the month.
- A "Micromoon": This happens when a full moon coincides with the moon's apogee, its farthest point from Earth in its orbit. As a result, the moon will appear about 6% smaller than the average full moon—a difference that is not noticeable to the naked eye.
Viewing Details
- Peak Time: The moon will reach its fullest point at approximately 6:45 pm local time.
- Visibility: The event is visible from anywhere in Australia with a clear view of the night sky and minimal cloud cover.
- Best Viewing: Darker locations away from light pollution are recommended for the most optimal viewing experience.