Stargazers around the world were treated to a rare celestial event on Wednesday night as a super blue moon graced the skies. But what exactly is a super blue moon and how can you see it?

A super blue moon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear bigger and brighter than usual. This particular super blue moon was the second full moon of August, earning it the "blue" label, and it was closer to Earth than the previous supermoon on August 1.

According to NASA, the super blue moon reached its peak visibility at 9:36pm EDT on Wednesday and set just before sunrise on Thursday. It was visible without the need for binoculars or telescopes, although using them would enhance the viewing experience and allow observers to see more of the moon's texture.

For those who missed the super blue moon, the next opportunity to see this phenomenon won't come until 2037. However, there will be another regular supermoon at the end of September.

Overall, the super blue moon provided a stunning spectacle for skywatchers across the globe, offering a rare chance to witness the beauty and wonder of our celestial neighbor.

Sources:

- Al Jazeera: Super blue moon 2023: What it is and how to see the celestial event

- Time: How to Watch Tonight's 'Super Blue Moon'

- The Associated Press: A rare blue supermoon -- the closest full moon of the year -- dazzled stargazers Wednesday night.