Earth's Moon: Formation, Composition and Orbit

Skywatchers get to see a second full moon this month on Wednesday (Aug. 30), and it is a special one: A rare unification of a Blue Moon and a "supermoon."

The Blue Moon of 2023 and this year's third supermoon occurs on Wednesday, Aug. 30, so skywatchers will want to get their timing right to see the moon at its biggest and brightest.

The moon will be half illuminated by the sun on Tuesday, Aug. 8, during its last quarter phase, exactly midway between the completely lit full moon and the fully dark new moon.

Take a look at these stunning Full Sturgeon Moon photos from around the world. The first of two supermoons this month did not disappoint.

The moon reaches its third-quarter phase on July 9, appearing half-lit in the morning skies before setting shortly after midday.

Evidence in a court room often requires an expert to explain it – Expert astronomers usually are not what one pictures in court, but that is exactly what I do.

The new moon phase officially occurs on June 18 at 12:38 a.m. EDT (0438 GMT). During this phase, the moon will not be visible, making it a great night for skywatching.

The third quarter phase marks the halfway point between the full moon and the next new moon which will occur on June 18.

Skywatchers can see the lunar face half illuminated by the sun at the weekend when the moon enters the first quarter phase of its 29.5-day cycle on Saturday, May 27.

Tonight (May 19) is the new moon, and it's a rare "black moon," which occurs approximately once every 33 months.