It is a stargazer and photographer’s dream: a rare supermoon lit up the sky globally.
A supermoon, which is more a popular term than a scientific one, is used to describe when the moon is at its closest to the Earth, at the same time that it’s full. The phenomenon usually occurs only three or four times a year.
Because the moon inches a little closer than usual, it appears to be larger and brighter.
Tonight’s supermoon was especially rare as it was also a Blue Moon. This rare instance occurs when there are two full moons within a single calendar month or four full moons within a single season. In this case, it is the latter.
Afraid you missed it? According to NASA, the Super Blue Moon can be seen through early Wednesday morning.
The next supermoon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse and will be on the night of September 18, followed by October 17, which will be the year’s closest approach. The final supermoon will round out the year on November 15.
Istanbul, Turkey
A supermoon rises behind the Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. – Khalil Hamra/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.
Copenhagen, Denmark
A plane passes by the supermoon over Copenhagen, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. – Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix
Allaman, Switzerland
A so called blue supermoon rises above the “Dent d’Oche” mountain viewed from Allaman, Switzerland, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. – Valentin Flauraud/’ KEYSTONE/ VALENTIN FLAURAUD
Berlin, Germany
The supermoon rises from behind a resident building in Berlin, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. – Markus Schreiber/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved
Madrid, Spain
The supermoon rises over the skyline of Madrid, in Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. – Manu Fernandez/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.
Paris, France
The supermoon appears behind the statue on Place de la République, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Paris. – Aurelien Morissard/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved
Antwerp, Belgium
The supermoon rises behind an apartment building in Antwerp, Belgium, Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. – Virginia Mayo/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved
Nicosia, Cyprus
The super moon rises over the Pera Chorio Nisou outskirt of capital Nicosia, Cyprus, on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. – Petros Karadjias/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved
