Daily Current Affairs : 22-August-2024
Recently, a unique astronomical occasion called a “Super Blue Moon” befell, captivating skywatchers around the world. This rare occasion occurs when uncommon phenomena integrate: a Blue Moon and a Super Moon. Let’s explore what each of these terms means and why this event is so special.
What is a Blue Moon?
Contrary to popular belief, a Blue Moon isn’t a moon that simply seems blue in color. Instead, it refers to a particular occurrence in which:
- There are two full moons within a single calendar month.
- Or, less commonly, the third full moon in a season that has four full moons.
This phenomenon is quite rare and happens about every two or three years. The term “Blue Moon” has no relation to the moon’s color but actually marks an additional full moon in a specific time period.
What is a Super Moon?
A Super Moon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, called perigee. The moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical, meaning its distance from Earth changes. When it’s at perigee, the moon appears notably larger and brighter in the sky. Key points about a Super Moon include:
- The moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it’s at its farthest point, called apogee.
- This makes the moon seem more impressive and striking when observed from Earth.
The Super Blue Moon
When these two phenomena occur together, it’s called a Super Blue Moon. This event is rare and exciting because it combines the visual impact of a Super Moon with the uncommon timing of a Blue Moon. The Super Blue Moon creates a beautiful sight in the sky, with a larger and brighter full moon occurring during the second full moon of a month.
Important Points:
Certainly! Here are the important bullet points based on the essay:
- Super Blue Moon is a rare event that combines two phenomena: a Blue Moon and a Super Moon.
What is a Blue Moon?
- A Blue Moon refers to:
- Two full moons in a single calendar month.
- Or, the third full moon in a season with four full moons.
- It occurs approximately every two or three years.
- Despite the name, the moon does not appear blue in color.
What is a Super Moon?
- A Super Moon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit (called perigee).
- The moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter compared to when it’s at its farthest point (called apogee).
- The closer proximity makes the moon look more impressive in the sky.
The Super Blue Moon
- A Super Blue Moon occurs when both phenomena (Blue Moon and Super Moon) happen together.
- This event is rare and creates a larger, brighter full moon during the second full moon of a month.
Why In News
Recently, a special astronomical event known as a “Super Blue Moon” occurred, capturing the attention of skywatchers worldwide. This extraordinary event combines two rare phenomena: a “Blue Moon” and a “Super Moon,” both of which are uncommon on their own but even rarer when they occur together.
MCQs about The Super Blue Moon
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What is a “Blue Moon”?
A. A moon that appears blue in color
B. A moon that occurs during a lunar eclipse
C. The second full moon in a single calendar month
D. The first full moon in a season with four full moons
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What makes a “Super Moon” different from a regular full moon?
A. It occurs during a lunar eclipse.
B. It is the smallest full moon.
C. It appears larger and brighter because it is closest to Earth in its orbit.
D. It only happens once every 10 years.
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How often does a “Blue Moon” occur?
A. Once every year.
B. Once every five years.
C. Every two or three years.
D. Once every decade.
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What is a “Super Blue Moon”?
A. A blue moon that appears during a solar eclipse.
B. A full moon that is both larger and brighter, occurring during the second full moon of a month.
C. A supernova that occurs near the moon.
D. A moon that appears blue due to atmospheric conditions.
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