Pelajarwajo.com – Full Moon 2023. The moon is a fascinating celestial object that has inspired countless myths, legends, and stories throughout human history. The moon also influences the tides, the seasons, and the rhythms of nature. But what makes the moon even more interesting is its changing appearance and phases, especially when it reaches its fullness.
A full moon occurs when the Earth is between the sun and the moon, so that the moon’s entire face is illuminated by the sun’s rays. This happens about once a month, or every 29.53 days on average. However, not all full moons are the same. Some are bigger, brighter, or more colorful than others, depending on various factors such as the moon’s distance from the Earth, its position in the sky, and its alignment with other celestial bodies.
In this blog post, we will explore the full moon events of 2023, which will include a blue moon, four supermoons, and two lunar eclipses. We will also explain the meanings and origins of the full moon names, and how you can observe and enjoy these lunar phenomena.
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What is a Blue Moon?
A blue moon is a rare occurrence that happens when there are two full moons in one calendar month. This happens about once every 2.7 years on average, hence the expression “once in a blue moon”. The term “blue moon” does not refer to the actual color of the moon, which usually appears white or yellow. However, in some rare cases, the moon can appear blue due to atmospheric conditions such as dust or smoke particles.
The next blue moon will occur on August 30, 2023, which will be the second full moon of August. The first full moon of August will be on August 1, 2023. Both of these full moons will also be supermoons, which we will explain in the next section.
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon is a popular term that describes a full moon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to the Earth in its elliptical orbit. This makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. The scientific term for this phenomenon is “perigee-syzygy”, which means that the moon is both at perigee (the closest point) and in syzygy (the alignment) with the Earth and the sun.
The difference between a supermoon and a regular full moon can be subtle or noticeable, depending on how close the moon is to the Earth. According to NASA, a supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon.
There will be four supermoons in 2023: on July 3, August 1, August 30, and September 29. The supermoon on August 30 will be the closest and largest of the year, with a distance of about 356,447 kilometers from the Earth. The supermoon on September 29 will also be a harvest moon, which we will discuss later.
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What is a Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow falls on the moon’s surface, blocking some or all of the sunlight that normally reflects off it. This can only happen during a full moon, when the Earth is between the sun and the moon. However, not every full moon results in a lunar eclipse, because the moon’s orbit is slightly tilted with respect to the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Therefore, a lunar eclipse only happens when the moon passes through or near the Earth’s shadow.
There are three types of lunar eclipses: total, partial, and penumbral. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire moon is covered by the Earth’s dark inner shadow (umbra). A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only part of the moon is covered by the umbra. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the entire moon passes through or near the Earth’s faint outer shadow (penumbra).
A lunar eclipse can change the color of the moon from white to orange or red, depending on how much sunlight is filtered and refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere. This is why a total lunar eclipse is sometimes called a blood moon.
There will be two lunar eclipses in 2023: on May 5 and November 27. The lunar eclipse on May 5 will be a total lunar eclipse that will be visible from most of North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and western Asia. The lunar eclipse on November 27 will be a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible from eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand, western North America, and western South America.
What are Full Moon 2023 Names?
Full moon names are traditional names that were given to each full moon by various cultures around the world. These names often reflect seasonal changes in nature or human activities related to agriculture, hunting, or festivals. Some of the most common full moon names are derived from Native American, Colonial American, or European sources.
Here are the full moon names and their meanings for 2023:
- January 6: Full Wolf Moon. This name comes from the howling of hungry wolves that were heard by Native Americans during the cold and snowy winter nights.
- February 5: Full Snow Moon. This name reflects the typically heavy snowfall that occurs in February in many regions.
- March 7: Full Worm Moon. This name signifies the thawing of the frozen ground and the emergence of earthworms that attract birds and other animals.
- April 6: Full Pink Moon. This name refers to the blooming of pink wildflowers such as phlox that herald the arrival of spring.
- May 5: Full Flower Moon. This name celebrates the abundance of flowers that blossom in May, as well as the total lunar eclipse that will occur on this date.
- June 4: Full Strawberry Moon. This name marks the ripening and harvesting of strawberries in June, especially in North America.
- July 3: Full Buck Moon. This name indicates the growth of new antlers on male deer (bucks) in July, as well as the supermoon that will occur on this date.
- August 1: Full Sturgeon Moon. This name relates to the large fish (sturgeon) that were caught by Native Americans and colonists in August, as well as the supermoon that will occur on this date.
- August 30: Full Blue Moon. This name denotes the second full moon of August, which will also be a supermoon and the closest and largest full moon of the year.
- September 29: Full Harvest Moon. This name signifies the time of year when farmers harvest their crops under the light of the full moon, which is also a supermoon and a harvest moon.
- October 28: Full Hunter’s Moon. This name implies the time of year when hunters stalk their prey under the bright moonlight, which makes them more visible.
- November 27: Full Beaver Moon. This name denotes the time of year when beavers prepare for winter by building their dams and lodges, as well as the partial lunar eclipse that will occur on this date.
- December 26: Full Cold Moon. This name reflects the cold and long nights of December, which are also close to the winter solstice.
How to Observe and Enjoy Full Moons?
Full moons are beautiful and captivating sights that can be enjoyed by anyone with a clear view of the sky. However, there are some tips and tricks that can enhance your full moon experience and make it more memorable.
Here are some suggestions on how to observe and enjoy full moons:
- Check the dates and times of full moons in your location using online sources such as Mooninfo.org or FullMoonology.com. You can also use apps or calendars that show you the moon phases and events.
- Choose a good spot to watch the full moon rise or set, preferably away from artificial lights and obstructions such as buildings or trees. You can use online tools such as The Photographer’s Ephemeris or SunCalc to find out where and when the moon will appear in your area.
- Use binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at the moon’s surface features such as craters, mountains, valleys, and seas. You can also use a camera or a smartphone to take pictures or videos of the moon, but make sure to adjust your settings accordingly to avoid overexposure or blurriness.
- Learn more about the moon’s history, science, and culture by reading books, articles, or websites such as NASA’s Moon Page or ExtremeTech’s Full Moon Page. You can also watch documentaries or movies about the moon, such as Apollo 11, First Man, or The Dish.
- Celebrate the full moon with your friends or family by having a picnic, a party, a bonfire, or a ritual. You can also express your creativity by writing poems, stories, songs, or jokes about the moon. You can even try some fun activities such as moon gazing, moon bathing, moon walking, or moon planting.
Full moons are wonderful opportunities to connect with nature, yourself, and others. They are also reminders of our place in the universe and our relationship with our planet and its satellite. By observing and enjoying full moons, you can enrich your life with beauty, wonder, and joy.
Conclusion
The full moon 2023 calendar offers a variety of lunar events to look forward to, from eclipses to supermoons. Each full moon has its own name, meaning, and folklore that reflect the changing seasons and nature. By learning about these full moons, you can enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the moon and its influence on our lives.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to the full moon 2023 and found it useful and informative. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might also be interested in the moon and its wonders. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming full moons and watch them with awe and admiration.
