Unique Blue Micromoon to Illuminate Kiwi Skies This Weekend
Rare blue micromoon to peek through clouds this weekend
Nzherald
Image: Nzherald
This weekend, New Zealand will experience a rare astronomical event with a blue moon coinciding with a micromoon, a pairing that won't occur again until December 31, 2028. The full moon will appear smaller as it is at its furthest point from Earth, but will rise golden in color.
- 01The blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in a single calendar month, with the last one on May 2.
- 02A micromoon happens when the full moon is at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller.
- 03Astronomer Josh Aoraki from Te Whatu Stardome noted the moon will not actually be blue in color.
- 04This unique pairing of a blue moon and micromoon is a rare event for skywatchers in New Zealand.
- 05The next occurrence of a blue moon will be on December 31, 2028.
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This weekend, New Zealand will witness a rare celestial event as a blue moon coincides with a micromoon, an occurrence that will not happen again until December 31, 2028. A blue moon refers to the second full moon within a single calendar month, following the last full moon on May 2. The micromoon signifies that the full moon is at its furthest distance from Earth, resulting in a smaller appearance in the night sky. According to Josh Aoraki, an astronomer at Te Whatu Stardome, the moon will rise full and golden rather than blue, making it a sight worth observing, weather permitting.
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