Once in a blue moon
A super blue moon rises over Cortez Aug. 19. The August full moon was unique in that it was both a supermoon and a seasonal blue moon that converged for a single viewing. The term “supermoon” was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 as either a new or full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. The Aug. 19 moon was the first of four consecutive supermoons for 2024. A blue moon occurs when there are four full moons in a single season instead of the usual three. Selenophiles — moon lovers — will have to wait to see the next super blue moon in January 2037. Islander Photo: Robert Anderson