Sky-watchers have a lot of fascinating things in store for August. Another celestial event is approaching after the Perseid meteor shower peaked last week. August 19 will see the first of the four consecutive supermoons of the year rise. This unique supermoon and blue moon combination will peak on Monday at 2:26 p.m. ET.
Super Blue Moon
The next super blue moons are predicted to occur in January and March of 2037. The previous occurrence of this lunar phenomenon was in August of 2023. Just 3% of full moons are considered blue moons, although nearly 25% of all full moons are supermoons.
The moon's eccentric orbit around Earth causes supermoons, which are distinguished by their larger and brighter appearance. NASA estimates that the moon is approximately 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers) distant from Earth at its perigee, or closest point.
Supermoons are defined differently by different people, but according to NASA's Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry lab lab leader Noah Petro, a full moon that occurs within 90% of perigee is usually regarded as a supermoon. The moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter when it is closest to Earth, or at its apogee, or roughly 251,000 miles (405,500 kilometers) from the planet. The moon is relatively close to Earth, thus even if the size difference is slight, the brightness is noticeably boosted, resulting in higher-than-normal tides.
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Supermoon Visibility
You won’t need special equipment or a specific location to see the supermoon; it’s visible to the naked eye. As long as the sky is clear, you’ll be able to witness the moon’s brilliance right after sunset, rising higher throughout the night.
Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, mentioned that if clouds obscure the view, the days just before or after the full moon’s peak still offer stunning visibility. According to Petro, the supermoon’s proximity makes it significantly brighter than an average full moon, offering a beautiful display.
Supermoons are easy to detect because of their enhanced brightness. Schmoll encourages everyone to take advantage of this celestial event to appreciate the universe and our place in it.
What Do Sturgeon Moons and Blue Moons Mean?
A blue moon doesn't seem blue, despite its name. The phrase describes two distinct events: the third full moon in a season of four full moons, or the second full moon in a calendar month.
Sturgeon fish, which were abundant at this time of year, are the source of the name "sturgeon moon," which originates from Native American customs. The full moon in August is named after them.
Future Heavenly Occurrences
Look for Jupiter and Mars, which were recently in conjunction, in addition to the supermoon. Astronomers anticipate a spectacular nova outburst in the Northern Crown constellation within the next month or two.
Remaining Supermoons of 2024
In addition to August’s supermoon, there will be more in 2024: on September 18, October 17, and November 15. The September supermoon will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse, while the October supermoon will be the year’s largest and fullest.
Stay tuned to Newslast7 for more updates on these incredible celestial events!
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