Understanding the Different Types of Full Moons: Blue Moon, Super Moon, Harvest Moon, and Blood Moon
Recently, a blue moon was seen on Rakshabandhan's day. Although it looks like a normal moon, it is still called a Blue Moon. Similarly, there are many other forms of the Full Moon. In this article, we will learn about the different forms of the Full Moon. Let us know what are the different forms of the Full Moon.
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The full moon, or Purnima, is a lunar phase where the entire face of the moon visible from Earth is illuminated by the sun. This phenomenon occurs once a month as the moon orbits Earth, which it does not in a perfect circle, but in an elliptical path. As a result, the moon's appearance changes daily. While most people are familiar with the concept of a full moon, there are actually several unique types of full moons that occur under specific circumstances. Let's explore these fascinating variations:
Blue Moon
The term "Blue Moon" might suggest a moon that appears blue, but in reality, the moon looks the same as any other full moon. A Blue Moon is special because it refers to the occurrence of a second full moon within a single calendar month, which is a rare event, happening only once every two to three years. Additionally, if four full moons occur within a single season, the third one is also termed a Blue Moon.
Super Moon
A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. During this time, the moon appears approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, making it look especially striking in the night sky. The proximity of the moon to Earth during this phase is why it’s referred to as a Super Moon.
Harvest Moon
The Harvest Moon is named for its timing rather than its appearance. This full moon occurs near the beginning of autumn. Historically, before the advent of electricity, farmers relied on the light of the Harvest Moon to extend their working hours during the harvest season. Despite its name, the Harvest Moon appears like any other full moon, with no change in color or size.
Blood Moon
A Blood Moon is a dramatic event where the moon takes on a reddish hue. This occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, blocking most of the sunlight from reaching the moon. The light that does reach the moon passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, scattering the shorter blue wavelengths and allowing the longer red wavelengths to reach the moon’s surface, giving it a reddish appearance, hence the name Blood Moon.
