Tonight's sky will bear witness to an extraordinary celestial spectacle, as a unique convergence of two lunar phenomena creates the biggest and brightest moon of the year. Referred to as a supermoon, this lunar event occurs when the moon's elliptical orbit brings it closest to Earth while simultaneously being in its full phase. Furthermore, tonight's full moon is also a blue moon, adding an additional touch of enchantment to the night sky.

According to NASA, this enthralling event commenced on Sunday morning and will extend until early Wednesday morning, allowing sky gazers to bask in the radiance of a seemingly full moon for three consecutive days. The last time such a cosmic display occurred was on January 31, 2037, making this an extraordinary opportunity to witness this celestial wonder firsthand.

Adding to the recent series of celestial spectacles, this rare occurrence closely follows the captivating combination of the Perseid meteor shower and the aurora borealis or northern lights. These breathtaking phenomena captured the attention and awe of people across the globe, with stunning photographs capturing the beauty of the night sky.

The term "blue moon" comes with two different definitions. The first refers to the third full moon in an astronomical season consisting of four full moons, while the second definition is the second full moon within a calendar month that contains two full moons. In modern usage, these definitions have become interchangeable, leading to more flexible interpretations of this lunar event.

Tonight's moon is not only a supermoon and blue moon but is also recognized as the sturgeon moon, following the names established by the Maine Farmers' Almanac in the 1930s. These names are said to originate from Native American tribes, specifically the Algonquin tribe, as well as European settlers. The sturgeon moon is associated with this month's harvest, paying homage to the large fish abundant in the Great Lakes and other significant bodies of water during this time of year.

Unlike some astronomical events that require specific locations for optimal viewing, tonight's moon will grace our skies in all its splendor and can be observed with the naked eye. For those curious about the moonrise time in their region, resources such as the Almanac provide moonrise calendars based on zip codes. Additionally, moon tracker apps are available, offering detailed information tailored to specific locations.

As anticipation builds for tonight's rare lunar event, here are some mesmerizing photographs of Earth's silvery satellite captured by enthusiastic sky watchers in regions where the moon has already made its majestic appearance. These images serve as a captivating preview, reminding us of the vastness and beauty of our universe.

So take a moment to step outside tonight and behold the luminous grandeur of our celestial companion, as a supermoon and blue moon grace the night sky, creating a mesmerizing sight that won't be seen again for many years to come.