An exceptionally rare occurrence is on the horizon as skywatchers prepare to witness a stunning blue “supermoon” in the upcoming week. News sources have dubbed this celestial event as the most sizable and brilliant moon of the year.

Scheduled to grace the night skies on August 30th, this blue supermoon will make its appearance. According to projections from InTheSky.org, the supermoon is expected to ascend at 7:10 p.m. ET (2310 GMT) and set at 6:46 a.m. ET (1146 GMT) on August 31st.

During this period, observers on Earth may notice a slight enlargement of the moon, estimated to be around 7%, as reported by Space.com. Additionally, Saturn will radiate with extraordinary luminosity on the same night. The gas giant will be positioned directly opposite the sun from our perspective on Earth, illuminating the sky.

For those situated in the United States, Saturn will be visible within the Aquarius constellation, positioned slightly above and to the right of the moon. Conversely, individuals in the Southern Hemisphere will have the opportunity to witness the planet located just beneath the moon.

Renowned retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak shared that the warm summer nights provide an ideal backdrop to witness the full moon ascending in the eastern sky shortly after sunset, speaking with Nexstar’s WPIX.

NASA explains that a “supermoon” occurs when a full moon reaches its point of closest proximity to Earth, known as “perigee,” resulting in a larger and more brilliant appearance in the night sky. Contrary to popular belief, a “blue moon” refers to the occurrence of two full moons within a single calendar month, unrelated to the moon’s color.

The first full moon of August, known as the Sturgeon Moon, graced the skies on the night of August 1st.

In astronomical terms, occurrences of blue moons are relatively frequent, transpiring every two to three years, as outlined by Space.com.