As millions of stargazers around the world looked at the sky Wednesday night,Poinbank they saw a full moon appearing larger than average. It was another "supermoon" — the second one in August 2023, making it a "blue moon."
Unlike what the name suggests, a blue moon is not actually blue in color. Rather, it signifies the second full moon within a single month — hence the phrase, "once in a blue moon."
The "supermoon" phenomenon occurs when the moon's orbit is closest to Earth at the same time the moon is full. While around 25% of full moons are supermoons, just 3% of full moons are blue moons, according to NASA.
On average, supermoons are about 16% brighter than an average moon. They also appear bigger than the average full moon — with NASA comparing the size difference to that between a quarter and a nickel.
Saturn could also be seen appearing alongside the moon wherever skies were clear — adding to the celestial celebration.
Here are some photos of the super blue moon from around the world.
Those who missed seeing a blue moon will have to wait quite a while before the next one in May 2026. And if you're waiting for the next super blue moon, it'll be even longer — until 2037, when astronomy fans will get to see super blue moons in January and March.
Michael Roppolo is a CBS News reporter. He covers a wide variety of topics, including science and technology, crime and justice, and disability rights.
Twitter2025-04-29 11:41861 view
2025-04-29 11:212793 view
2025-04-29 11:15844 view
2025-04-29 10:342696 view
2025-04-29 10:122102 view
2025-04-29 10:012266 view
AI-assisted summarySeveral countries are offering financial incentives to attract residents, particu
Dozens more former youth inmates filed lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in damages for sexual ab
More than 60 veterans of World War II took off Friday from Dallas to France, where they will take pa
