Want to view the rare blue supermoon? Try one of these Long Island state parks

NEW YORK -- Some Long Island state parks are keeping their parking lots open late this week so visitors can catch a glimpse of the rare blue supermoon.

Starting Wednesday, the closest full moon of the year will be visible in the night sky.

• Read more: A rare super blue moon arrives this week. Here's how to see it.

The following state parks' parking lots will be open late Wednesday and Thursday:

• Jones Beach (West End 2 west parking lot),
• Sunken Meadow (Field 3),
• Montauk Point (upper parking lot),
• Wildwood Beach (main parking lot),
• Orient Beach (main parking lot),
• and Hallock State Park Preserve.

Visitors are asked to stay near their vehicles, but they will not be charged or need a stargazing permit. Binoculars are not necessary.

A blue moon isn't actually blue in color; the term signifies a second full moon in a single month.

Peak viewing times are at moonrise Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The U.S. Navy moonrise calendar can be used to check exact times. The moon will appear full through Friday morning, according to NASA.

There isn't expected to be another blue supermoon until 2037.

In:
• Jones Beach