The UK is getting a rare super blue moon: how and when to see August supermoon

There’s something magical about the moon. Something about the way it lights up the sky once the sun has set, piercing through the dark, peeking out from behind clouds in the darkness. It’s been the subject of countless poems and songs, is central to multiple religions and spiritualities, and actually does have magical powers if you consider affecting the tides to be magic, which you should.

If you look up this evening, Monday August 19, weather permitting, you’ll be treated to the rare sight of a blue supermoon. But what does that actually mean? And how often is it actually is ‘once in a blue moon’?

Fear no more, for we have all of the answers. Here’s everything you need to know about the blue supermoon that will grace our skies tomorrow evening.

RECOMMENDED:
💫 How to see the dazzling Perseids meteor shower.
✨ How to see the northern lights in the UK.

What is a blue moon?

An age old question, with a slightly disappointing answer. No, the moon isn’t going to turn a luminous aqua colour. The title actually refers to the timing of the moon, rather than its colour. There are also two separate definitions of a blue moon – we’ll go through them both.

The way the calendar lines up with the lunar cycle means that roughly every other year there are 13 full moons, the extra one being the ‘blue moon’, but that’s not what’s going on this time. The other definition of ‘blue moon’ is the fourth full moon in a single season, which has happened this summer. This is what you’ll see on Monday.

On top of this, the supermoon part just means that the moon is closer in orbit to Earth, making it appear bigger to us measly humans.

When and how to see the super blue moon in the UK

The sun is going to set just after 8pm, but it’s currently due to be a tad overcast. Clear skies always make it easier to see the moon, so if there are thick, dark clouds it could be more difficult. Your best bet is getting out of city centres and heading somewhere with less light pollution away from buildings that might obstruct your view.

You don’t need any equipment to see the moon; all you need to do is look up. Feel free to take a telescope or a pair of binoculars to a hill for an even better view.

Over the weekend, you may have already noticed that the moon was bigger and brighter than usual. On both Saturday (August 17) and Sunday (August 18), the moon was gearing up for a huge spectacle today (August 19). 

How rare is a super blue moon? 

Contrary to the classic idiom, blue moons aren’t that rare as far as astronomical phenomena go. The first kind, which isn’t making an appearance tomorrow occurs roughly once every couple of years, and the other type is even more common than that, usually happening at least once every few seasons.

Supermoons take place a couple of times a year, but for the two to fall at once is more rare: coming closer to once a decade. It’s definitely worth popping your head our of your window for, anyway.

What is the super blue moon’s spiritual meaning?

According to astrology, the blue moon is a time of intensified emotions and energy. Some believe it to be a perfect time to work on growth and change within your life, as it is a time for second chances and redemption. 

For those who are spiritual, the full moon is an important time of the month, and the blue moon only serves to heighten that significance. This is a perfect opportunity to do that thing you’ve been putting off, or charge up some fresh moon water. Whatever’s more your thing.

When will the next super blue moon be?

Once this has passed, you’ll have quite the wait for the stars to align like this again. The next blue supermoon isn’t forecast until 2037, so make sure to at least have a peek at it before you go to bed.

After that, we’ll see you in 14 years for the next one. Same place, same time?

Did you see that this tiny forgotten English town is getting a massive £500 million glow-up?

Plus: One of the world’s most famous artists is taking over Liverpool Cathedral.

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.