Summary:

A super blue moon will be visible in Pakistan on August 19 at 11:26 PM.
This is the first supermoon of the year, shining 30% brighter and appearing 14% larger.
The next supermoons will occur on September 18, October 17, and November 15.

Skywatchers in Pakistan are in for a celestial treat tonight as a rare super blue moon will illuminate the night sky, marking the first such occurrence of 2024. According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), this spectacular event is set to occur at 11:26 PM on August 19. This supermoon is expected to shine 30% brighter and appear 14% larger as it reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit, at a distance of 363,300 kilometers.

The term “supermoon” isn’t an official astronomical designation, but it is used to describe a full moon that occurs when the moon is particularly close to Earth, making it appear more prominent in the night sky. What adds to the intrigue is the occurrence of two full moons in a single month, known as a blue moon. Despite its name, the blue moon doesn’t refer to the moon’s color but rather to the rarity of the event.

This year’s blue moon is identified as a “seasonal blue moon,” which is the third full moon in a season that contains four full moons. Typically, each month has just one full moon, but occasionally, a second full moon appears within the same calendar month, which is also referred to as a blue moon. Tonight’s event is the first of four supermoons expected this year, with the subsequent ones anticipated on September 18, October 17, and November 15.

The last time sky enthusiasts witnessed a similar event was just over a year ago, with a Sturgeon moon on August 1, followed by a super blue moon on August 30, 2023. For those who enjoy stargazing, tonight’s super blue moon promises to be a mesmerizing spectacle, offering a unique opportunity to observe one of nature’s rare and awe-inspiring displays.