Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The first Super Blue Moon of 2024 lit up the skies of Saudi Arabia on Monday night, Aug. 19.

This was a rare celestial treat that will not be witnessed again until May 2027. During this phenomenon, the moon is at its closest distance to Earth, making it appear 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than the usual typical moon.

The full super moon of the month of Safar was seen in the skies of a number of Saudi regions, including Al-Ula Governorate, Tabuk Region, Al-Baha, Al-Jouf, and the Eastern Province.

Majed Abu Zahra, director of the Jeddah Astronomy Society (JAS), said that the super moon – also called “seasonal blue moon” – occurs roughly once every two and a half years. The seasonal blue moon is the third full moon out of four during the current season that falls between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.

Despite the name, the moon will not appear to be blue, but will simply look like a regular full moon, he clarified. The term “super moon” describes a full or new moon that happens when the moon is within 90 percent of its closest distance to Earth.

In this case, the distance between the moon’s and Earth’s centers will be 361,969 kilometers, Abu Zahra said.

Each month, the moon passes through its closest point to Earth (perigee) and its farthest point from Earth (apogee). A super moon occurs when the moon is full and at its closest point to Earth. When the moon comes to its closest point to Earth, it appears larger and brighter than usual.

According to NASA, this super moon will be the first of four consecutive super moons this year. The other occurrences will be in September, October and November. There are usually three full moons in each season, but in some seasons four full moons can appear. The extra moon in this season is called a “seasonal blue moon” and occurs at a rate of about once every two and a half years, so the next one will be on May 20, 2027.

According to Abu Zahra, the super blue moon will have no significant impacts on Earth other than the natural tides phenomenon. Every month, when the moon is full, the Earth, Moon and Sun align, causing the rise and fall of sea levels. Abu Zahra confirmed that the super blue moon will not cause any increase in geological activity or any unusual weather patterns.