(JSSIII / iStock)
Mother Nature is great with optical illusions, especially when it comes to the moon.
Monday’s full moon will be the year’s first full supermoon: Full supermoons happen when a full moon occurs within 90% of the moon’s closest approach to earth.
“Close” is relative. The moon will still be nearly 225,000 miles away on Monday, but it will look brighter than usual.
August kicks off a streak of full supermoons. They’ll also take place Sept. 17, Oct. 17 and Nov. 15.
The October full supermoon will be the closest of the bunch — just 222,00 miles away — while September’s will undergo a partial eclipse. And by “partial,” we mean only a tiny sliver of a “bite” will be taken from the moon.
On top of being a supermoon, Monday’s full moon is also a seasonal blue moon: the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. A season is the time between a solstice and an equinox. There won’t be another seasonal blue moon until May 2027.
So get out there Monday night, look up, and enjoy this phenomenon that isn’t exactly rare, but isn’t exactly typical either.
To really celebrate the occasion, head to Foster Beach, where Full Moon Jam will put on a unique theatrical event featuring fire performers and drummers. The show kicks off at sunset and lasts until 10 p.m.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
