One of the magics of the Moon is just hours away to show up as the skygazers await a lunar feast during the wee hours of Thursday - August 31. This celestial phenomenon will appear close to the Earth and the Moon's appearance will be one of the largest and brightest in 2023. This particular blue moon will be the second to occur in this August as the first one had decorated the night sky on August 1. 

Due to its significantly large appearance in the sky, this event will be called a Super Moon and on Thursday, the Moon will be 3,57,244 kilometers from Earth, about 30,000 kilometers lesser than its actual orbit. The metaphorical phrase 'Once in a Blue Moon' refers to a rare or extremely rare event. So, as this super moon event is going to occur rarely for the second time in a month, it has been called a super blue moon and it has nothing to do with the Moon's colour. 

According to scientists, a Blue Moon is the name given to a second full moon in a single calender month and it is unlikely that the Moon will appear really in blue colour. Super Blue Moon is a very rare phenomenen which will occur due to astronomical changes and while this event occurred in 2018 for the last time, it will again show up in 2037, so if you miss to look up today, you will have to wait for another 14 years. 

When can you to watch this Super Blue Moon? Though the Moon will be visible after the Sunset, the second supermoon will rise at 7.10 pm EDT (4.30 am of Indian Standard Time on Thursday). The super blue moon will set on Thursday at around 4.16 pm of Indian Standard Time. It has been reported that the people living in India are expected to get a good view since the supermoon will rise very early in the morning. 

Supermoons are 16 per cent brighter than a regular moon and this Super Blue Moon is also going to bring a companion - according to CBS news, those looking to the skies may also spot Saturn, which will be visible near the Moon. Saturn should be visible just by looking up, but binoculars or a telescope will help viewers make out some of the planet's distinguishing features.