By Paul Sundberg - August 26, 2024

 Photo used with permission by Paul Sundberg

This last Monday evening's full moon was the Rare Blue Supermoon. Blue moon means the third of four full moons in a single season and “super” moon because it was at perigee which is when the moon is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. According to MPR this rare event only happens about once every 10 years. It is also called the sturgeon moon, a term originating from Native Americans.

 More people than usual gathered by the lighthouse enjoying this rare event. A supermoon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is the farthest from Earth. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires also made it more orange.

Not only were there several people by the lighthouse but more than usual were lined up along the shoreline enjoying another magical evening in the Grand Maris Rec Park.

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