The Most Beautiful Moon: A Ranking of Heavenly Gems

Voting rules: Choose the Luna you think is the most beautiful!

Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 2, 2023 16:06)

Welcome to StrawPoll's celestial celebration of the cosmos, where we embark on a mesmerizing journey to discover the most beautiful moon in the universe! We've gathered a magnificent collection of lunar wonders, showcasing the diverse and enchanting beauty of our cosmic companions. But, we need your help to crown the ultimate lunar masterpiece! Cast your vote for your favorite moon, or champion a celestial underdog by suggesting a missing candidate. Will it be the enigmatic glow of our very own Luna, the vivid volcanic vistas of Io, or the icy allure of Europa? The fate of these heavenly bodies lies in your hands, so join us to determine the most resplendent moon that truly shines above the rest! Don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary cosmic quest!

What Is the Most Beautiful Moon?

1

58
votes
Supermoon

This is a rare and beautiful occurrence when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
Description

The Supermoon is a phenomenon where the full moon appears larger and brighter than usual due to its close proximity to Earth. This occurs when the moon is at its closest point in its elliptical orbit around our planet.

Name: Supermoon

Scientific Name: Perigee-syzygy of the Earth–Moon–Sun system

Appearance: Larger and brighter than a regular full moon

Cause: Proximity to Earth at its closest point in the orbit

Frequency: Occurs a few times per year
2

25
votes
Harvest Moon

This is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox and is known for its orange hue and long duration in the sky.
Description

The Harvest Moon is a celestial phenomenon that refers to the full moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox. It is known for its distinctively bright and amber-colored appearance, which adds to its captivating beauty. The name 'Harvest Moon' originated from its traditional connection to agrarian societies, as it provided extra illumination during the harvesting season, allowing farmers to work later into the night.

Timing: Occurs closest to the autumnal equinox

Color: Distinctively bright and amber

Brightness: Appears larger and provides extra illumination

Visibility: Clear and easily observable

Agricultural Connection: Traditionally associated with the harvesting season
Harvest Moon in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular farming game
3

30
votes
Blue Moon

This is the second full moon in a calendar month, which occurs roughly once every three years. The name "blue moon" has nothing to do with the moon's color but is a rare and beautiful sight.
Description

The Blue Moon is a natural phenomenon characterized by the occurrence of an additional full moon within a calendar month. This rare lunar event has captivated humanity for centuries with its striking appearance and mystical allure.

Frequency: Occurs approximately once every 2.7 years

Appearance: The moon appears to have a blue hue, though it does not actually change color

Typical Causes: The Blue Moon can be caused by the eccentricity of the Earth's orbit or the 29.5-day lunar cycle

Origin of the Term: The term Blue Moon originated from traditional folklore and has been popularized in modern culture

Cultural Significance: In various societies, the Blue Moon is associated with special events, rituals, or superstitions
Blue Moon in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful rose
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular beer in Florida
4

25
votes
Blood Moon

This is a total lunar eclipse where the moon takes on a reddish hue due to the scattering of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere. It is a rare and beautiful sight.
Description

The Blood Moon is a celestial phenomenon that occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the moon appears to be red or copper-colored. This unique occurrence happens when the Earth aligns between the Sun and the Moon, with the Earth's atmosphere filtering out most of the blue light and refracting the remaining red light onto the moon's surface.

Appearance: The moon takes on a reddish or coppery hue during a total lunar eclipse.

Frequency: It is relatively rare and usually occurs a few times a year, but not every lunar eclipse turns the moon into a blood moon.

Duration: The blood moon phase typically lasts for a couple of hours during a total lunar eclipse.

Color Variations: The shade and intensity of the red color can vary depending on atmospheric conditions during the eclipse.

Occurrence: A blood moon can be observed from any location on Earth where the lunar eclipse is visible.
5

12
votes
Crescent Moon

This is the moon phase when only a small sliver of the moon is visible, making it a delicate and beautiful sight in the sky.
Description

The Crescent Moon is a beautiful celestial phenomenon that occurs when only a small, curved portion of the moon is visible from Earth. This stunning phase appears like a delicate silver sliver hanging in the sky.

Shape: Curved sliver

Visibility: Visible after New Moon and before First Quarter Moon

Illumination: Less than half of the moon's surface is illuminated

Appearance: Delicate and ethereal

Position: Above the horizon, relatively low in the sky
6

8
votes
Full Moon

This is the most well-known and recognizable moon phase, where the entire face of the moon is visible, making it a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight.
Description

The Full Moon refers to the lunar phase when the entire illuminated side of the Moon is visible from Earth. It is the brightest and most visually striking phase of the Moon, often regarded as the most beautiful.

Phase: Full

Illumination: 100%

Visibility: Entire illuminated side visible

Brightness: Brightest phase of the Moon

Beauty: Visually striking
7

12
votes
Jay Tanner · CC BY-SA 3.0

Waning Gibbous Moon

This is the moon phase between a full moon and a third quarter moon, where the moon appears as a curved shape in the sky, making it a unique and beautiful sight.
Description

The Waning Gibbous Moon is a phase of the Moon that occurs between the Third Quarter Moon and the Last Quarter Moon. During this phase, more than half but less than three-quarters of the Moon's disk is illuminated by the Sun. The waning aspect indicates that the Moon is gradually transitioning from a full moon to a crescent moon.

Phase: Waning Gibbous

Illumination: More than half but less than three-quarters

Shape: Slightly narrowed circular disk

Brightness: Bright and luminous

Time of Appearance: Late evening to early morning
8

7
votes
Jay Tanner · CC BY-SA 3.0

Waxing Crescent Moon

This is the moon phase between a new moon and a first quarter moon, where only a small sliver of the moon is visible, making it a delicate and beautiful sight in the sky.
Description

The Waxing Crescent Moon is a phase of the moon which occurs between the New Moon and the First Quarter Moon. It is characterized by a thin sliver of illuminated crescent shape on the right side of the moon (in the northern hemisphere). This phase marks the beginning of the lunar cycle and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and enchanting stages of the moon.

Phase: Waxing Crescent

Illumination: Less than 50%

Shape: Crescent

Location on moon: Right side (northern hemisphere)

Visibility: Evening and early night
9

8
votes
[2] · CC BY-SA 2.0

New Moon

This is the moon phase where the moon is not visible in the sky, making it a mysterious and beautiful sight.
Description

The New Moon is the lunar phase when the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. At this time, the side of the Moon that is facing Earth is completely dark and not visible to the naked eye.

Appearance: Not visible; appears as a dark silhouette in the sky

Illumination: 0%

Phase: Beginning of the lunar cycle

Position: Between Earth and the Sun

Visibility: Not visible to the naked eye
New Moon in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Twilight book
10

5
votes
Jay Tanner · CC BY-SA 3.0

First Quarter Moon

This is the moon phase where only half of the moon's face is visible, making it a striking and beautiful sight in the sky.
Description

The First Quarter Moon is the lunar phase that occurs when exactly half of the Moon's visible surface is illuminated by sunlight. It marks the midpoint between the New Moon and the Full Moon phases.

Visibility: The First Quarter Moon is visible in the evening sky, appearing as a half-circle.

Lunar Phase: It is the phase when the Moon is at a right angle to the Earth and Sun, with the Earth being in the middle.

Illumination: Approximately 50% of the Moon's visible surface is illuminated by sunlight.

Location: The First Quarter Moon can be observed all around the world.

Duration: The phase lasts for about one week.

Missing your favorite Luna?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful moon

Size and brightness

The size and brightness of a moon can greatly impact its beauty. Larger and brighter moons will be more visible and striking in the sky, contributing to their overall appeal.
Surface features

The presence of unique and interesting surface features, such as mountains, valleys, craters, and ice caps, can make a moon more visually appealing.
Color and contrast

Varied color patterns and contrast can accentuate a moon's surface features and contribute to its overall beauty. Color can be influenced by factors such as the mineral composition of the moon's surface and the presence of a thin atmosphere.
Presence of an atmosphere

A moon with a substantial atmosphere may display beautiful dynamic phenomena, such as colorful auroras or cloud formations, which can greatly enhance its visual appeal.
Orbital and rotational characteristics

A moon's beauty might also be affected by its orbital and rotational motion relative to its planet. For example, a moon that is tidally locked with its planet will always show the same face to its planet, potentially offering a beautiful and predictable view to observers on the planet.
Eclipses and transits

A moon that regularly passes in front of its planet, or casts a visible shadow on the planet's surface during an eclipse, may be considered more beautiful due to the visual spectacle it creates.
Interaction with other moons or ring systems

A moon that is part of a complex planetary system, with multiple moons or prominent rings, may be considered more visually stunning due to the dynamic interactions it has with other celestial bodies.
Cultural and historical significance

The cultural and historical significance of a moon can also contribute to its perceived beauty. A moon that is named after a figure from mythology, or has been the subject of significant scientific exploration, may be considered more interesting and beautiful as a result.
Scientific value

A moon with unique scientific properties, such as the potential for harboring life, geological activity, or other intriguing phenomena, may be considered more beautiful for its potential to inspire wonder and curiosity.
Favorability for human inhabitation

A moon that could potentially support human life may be seen as more attractive due to the possibility of future colonization or scientific exploration.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful moon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Luna is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1676 views
190 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Luna once every 24 hours. The rank of each Luna is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful moon

Moon is one of the most fascinating celestial bodies that has captured human imagination for centuries. It has been a source of inspiration for poets, artists, and scientists alike. The moon is the fifth largest natural satellite in the solar system and is the only natural satellite of the Earth. It is believed to have formed around 4.5 billion years ago from the debris left over after a Mars-sized object collided with Earth. The moon has been studied extensively by scientists, and its surface has been mapped in great detail. One of the most striking features of the moon is its beauty, which has inspired countless works of art and literature. From the full moon to the crescent moon, from the harvest moon to the blue moon, there are many different types of moons that have captured our imagination. In this article, we will explore the question of what is the most beautiful moon, and delve into the reasons why people find certain moons more captivating than others.