The Supermoon Blue Moon: A Celestial Event to Watch

The moon’s phases and the months of the year are intrinsically connected, a fact that often goes unnoticed in our daily lives. The term ‘month’ itself originates from the word ‘moon,’ highlighting the historical significance of lunar cycles in marking time. As we approach the next full moon in August, there’s much excitement in the air, especially since this particular full moon will also be a supermoon. This event offers a unique opportunity for sky watchers and astronomy enthusiasts alike to witness a celestial phenomenon that combines several rare occurrences into one spectacular display.

August’s full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon, a name that has historical roots tied to the giant fish that were once abundant during this time of year. Native American tribes and early settlers named it so because sturgeon were a common food source during this period. The Sturgeon Moon will also be a blue moon, which adds another layer of rarity to this event. While the term ‘blue moon’ might conjure images of a moon tinged with blue, it actually refers to an astronomical quirk where a particular sequence of full moons occurs within a given timeframe.

This upcoming Sturgeon Moon will not only be a blue moon but will also appear red in the night sky due to atmospheric conditions. Therefore, this month will feature a blue-red-sturgeon-supermoon, a combination of phenomena that is seldom seen. The full moon will first make its appearance on August 18 in the afternoon and will remain visible until August 20, providing ample opportunity for observation. The exact timing for the full moon is set for August 19, 2024, at 2:26 p.m. EDT, making it a prime event for sky watchers across the globe.

The Sturgeon Moon got its name from the large sturgeon fish that could grow to over six feet long and weigh around 200 pounds. These fish were a significant part of the diet for many Native American tribes and settlers, making the August full moon a noteworthy time for fishing. On the evening of August 19, the Sturgeon Moon will rise in the southeast, appearing larger and brighter than usual. This is because it will be the first supermoon of the year, a phenomenon that occurs when a full moon’s orbit brings it closest to Earth.

A supermoon is a special type of full moon that appears larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth. According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when the moon is about 226,000 miles from Earth, making it appear significantly brighter and larger than a regular full moon. This enhanced visibility makes supermoons a favorite among astronomers and casual sky watchers alike. The term ‘supermoon’ was first coined in 1979 by astrologer Richard Nolle and has since become a popular term in astronomical circles.

One fascinating aspect of this event is that it will be a seasonal blue moon, the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. In the summer of 2024, there will be four full moons occurring in June, July, August, and September. This makes the full moon in August the third in this sequence, thereby qualifying it as a blue moon. While the moon won’t actually appear blue, it can sometimes take on a red hue due to atmospheric conditions, adding to the visual spectacle.

Stargazing enthusiasts will find this event particularly captivating, as the moon will appear bright and full on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Using stargazing equipment such as binoculars and telescopes can enhance the viewing experience, allowing observers to see the moon’s details more clearly. The sturgeon moon is named after the fish found in the Great Lakes at this time of year, further emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.

The Anishinaabeg people refer to the August moon as minoomini giizis, or ‘the grain moon,’ highlighting its importance in their cultural calendar. This month’s full moon is also a supermoon due to its close proximity to Earth. There will be four supermoons in 2024, starting with the Sturgeon Moon on August 19. The closest full moon of the year will be the Hunter’s Moon on October 17, offering another opportunity for sky watchers to observe a supermoon.

The next full moon after August will be the Harvest Moon, occurring on September 17 at 10:34 p.m. This particular Harvest Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, causing a partial eclipse, adding yet another layer of excitement for astronomy enthusiasts. Jamie Carter, a freelance journalist and astronomer, has written extensively about such events and offers valuable insights for those interested in stargazing. His work is regularly featured in various publications, including Space.com and Forbes.

The concept of a supermoon can sometimes be confusing, but it essentially refers to a full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. Supermoons are the biggest and brightest full moons of the year, appearing approximately 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual. However, it can be challenging to spot the difference with the unaided eye. A supermoon (or even a regular full moon) can sometimes appear huge due to the ‘moon illusion,’ a trick of perception where the moon looks larger near the horizon than it does high in the sky.

Though the full moon officially rises on August 19, it will still appear nearly full on the nights surrounding it. Our comprehensive guide on how to photograph a supermoon may be helpful for capturing August’s supermoon blue moon. Daisy Dobrijevic, who works for Space.com and has previously worked for All About Space magazine and the National Space Centre, is passionate about space and offers valuable tips for photographing such celestial events.

A rare super blue moon will soon be visible in the sky, and many people are excited to witness this celestial event. The article discusses when and how you can see the moon, as well as how long you will have to wait to see another one if you miss this one. There is also information about the local forecast and daily trivia, along with stunning photos of the moon. Professional insights from meteorologists make the article informative and reliable, offering a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in astronomy or nature.

Overall, the upcoming supermoon blue moon event offers a rare and exciting opportunity for sky watchers and astronomy enthusiasts. Whether you’re using stargazing equipment or simply observing with the naked eye, this celestial event promises to be a memorable experience. With its unique combination of a blue moon, a supermoon, and the historical significance of the Sturgeon Moon, this event is not to be missed. So mark your calendars for August 19, 2024, and prepare to witness one of the most spectacular celestial events of the year.