Rare Blue Supermoon Illuminates Night Sky In NY: What To Know

NEW YORK — Wednesday night will mark the appearance of one of the biggest and most luminous moons in the night sky as a rare blue supermoon rises over New York.

No, the moon won't actually be blue. The term means the second full moon in a calendar month, according to Space.com. A supermoon happens when the moon's orbit is closer to earth at the same time it is full — known as perigee — making it appear larger and brighter, according to NASA.gov.

Also according to NASA, Saturn, just a few days from its closest and brightest for the year, will appear near the moon, NASA said.

The first blue moon took place earlier in August. The next super bluemoons are slated to appear in 2037, experts said.

What's the best way to view the rare blue supermoon?

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced in a release that several Long Island State Parks will remain open during the nighttime hours for viewing of the ‘Super Blue Moon’ Rise with Saturn on the evening of Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday August 31. Peak viewing times are at moonrise, Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31.

Moonrise on Long Island is slated to begin just after sunset, which is about 7:27 p.m. Wednesday night — with the peak time to view the rare blue supermoon around 9:36 p.m. EST, according to NASA.

There will be no charge and the normal star gazing permit will not be required. You must remain near your vehicle.

Individuals are urged to dress appropriately, bring bug spray, and a chair that reclines. Binoculars are not necessary.

State Parks that will remain open for viewing are:

• Jones Beach State Park - West End 2 (west parking lot)

• Sunken Meadow State Park - Field 3

• Montauk Point State Park - Upper Parking Lot

• Wildwood State Park – main Parking Lot

• Orient Beach State Park – Main Parking Lot

• Hallock State Park Preserve

According to the National Weather Service office in Upton, although skies were cloudy Wednesday morning, the expectation is that skies will be clear by Wednesday night for optimal viewing of the rare blue supermoon.