Special Moon Events

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest approach to Earth (perigee) during a full moon phase. This makes the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it's at its farthest point (apogee). The term "supermoon" was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. The moon doesn't disappear completely but takes on a deep red or copper color due to Earth's atmosphere bending and filtering sunlight.

A Blue Moon is the second full moon occurring within a single calendar month. Despite its name, the moon doesn't actually appear blue. This phenomenon happens roughly every 2.7 years, giving rise to the phrase "once in a blue moon" to describe rare events.

The Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs nearest to the autumn equinox. Traditionally, this moon provided extra light for farmers to harvest their crops late into the night. It appears larger and more orange due to atmospheric effects when viewed near the horizon.

The Wolf Moon is the traditional name for January's full moon, named by Native American tribes after the wolves that howled outside villages during cold winter nights. It often appears exceptionally bright due to reflection off snow and clear winter air.

The Strawberry Moon is June's full moon, named by Algonquin tribes to mark the ripening of strawberries. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is often the lowest full moon of the year, appearing amber or golden when viewed through the thick atmosphere near the horizon.

A Black Moon is the second new moon in a calendar month, the opposite of a Blue Moon. Since new moons are invisible to the naked eye, Black Moons are more of astronomical significance. They occur roughly every 2.7 years.

The Pink Moon is April's full moon, named after the pink wildflowers (Phlox subulata) that bloom in early spring. Despite its name, the moon doesn't appear pink but signals the arrival of spring and renewed growth.