Saudi Arabia and Arab World Witness First Supermoon of the Season
Riyadh: On Monday, August 19, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world experienced the first appearance of the supermoon, also known as the “buck moon.” This celestial event marks the third of the four full moons occurring between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.
A supermoon happens when a full moon is at its closest approach to Earth, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance than usual. This phenomenon, also referred to as the “seasonal blue moon,” is a rare occurrence, typically seen once every few years.
Engineer Majid Abu Zahra, head of the astronomical society in Jeddah, noted the significance of the event. “Each season usually has three full moons, but occasionally there are four. This supermoon, known as the ‘seasonal blue moon,’ is observed approximately every two and a half years, with the next one expected on May 20, 2026,” he explained.
The event garnered widespread attention, highlighting its rarity and the unique opportunities it presents for sky watchers and astronomy enthusiasts in the region.
