A rare celestial event will grace the night sky this weekend: a blue micromoon. According to NASA, this full moon will be the farthest, smallest, and dimmest of the year, occurring when the moon is at its apogee — the point in its orbit farthest from Earth.
The term "blue moon" does not refer to color but to the second full moon occurring in a single calendar month. This micromoon appears about 14% smaller and 30% dimmer than a typical full moon, as it sits roughly 50,000 kilometers farther from our planet.
Observers can catch the blue micromoon rising on Saturday evening. For the best viewing, find a location with a clear eastern horizon away from city lights. Binoculars or telescopes are not required but can enhance the viewing experience.
This is the only blue micromoon of the year, making it a relatively rare spectacle. Skywatchers who miss it will have to wait for the next occurrence, though micromoons themselves happen several times annually.
"Each full moon has its own character," a NASA spokesperson noted, "and this one offers a subtle contrast to the supermoons we often celebrate."