Supermoon, Blue Moon and Blood Moon Explained

News headlines love special moons. Here is what the most common terms actually mean, in plain language.

Supermoon

The moon’s orbit is an ellipse, so its distance from Earth changes through the month. A supermoon is a full moon (or new moon) that happens when the moon is near its closest point, called perigee. A full supermoon can look up to about 14% larger and noticeably brighter than a full moon at its farthest point. In practice the difference is hard to notice without a side-by-side photo, but a supermoon rising over the horizon is still a beautiful sight.

Blue Moon

There are two definitions. The popular modern one is the second full moon in a single calendar month. The older “seasonal” definition is the third full moon in a season that has four. Either way, a blue moon happens roughly every two to three years, which is where the phrase “once in a blue moon” comes from. The moon does not actually look blue.

Blood Moon

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon. Sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out blue light, so the moon glows red or copper. This is the same reason sunsets look red. Lunar eclipses can only happen at full moon, and they are safe to watch with the naked eye.

Micromoon and Black Moon

A micromoon is the opposite of a supermoon: a full moon near the farthest point of the orbit. A “Black Moon” is an informal name for an extra new moon, such as the second new moon in a calendar month.

Do special moons affect love?

In lunar folklore, supermoons are said to amplify feelings and eclipses to bring sudden change. These are traditions, not science, but a rare moon can be a lovely excuse for a special date. Check upcoming phases on our moon calendar.