August’s Celestial Show: First Supermoon of 2024 and Rare Blue Moon Event

This August is a treat for sky enthusiasts, featuring the first of four consecutive supermoons set to light up the sky on August 19. The supermoon, coinciding with a rare blue moon, will reach its peak at 2:26 p.m. ET, marking a significant astronomical event.

Supermoons, which appear bigger and brighter than regular full moons, occur due to the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth. When the moon is closest to Earth—about 226,000 miles away—it’s known as perigee, a point where the moon appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it’s at its farthest point, or apogee.

According to NASA, supermoons are not just visually stunning but also have a noticeable impact on Earth, leading to higher-than-normal tides. “Supermoons are a remarkable sight and significantly brighter than other full moons throughout the year,” said Noah Petro, chief of NASA’s Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry lab. He added that the visual difference might be subtle, but the brightness is definitely noticeable.

Visibility of the Supermoon

You don’t need any special equipment or location to enjoy the supermoon. Shannon Schmoll, director of Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, mentioned that the moon would be visible as soon as the sun sets. “It’s bright enough to be seen from anywhere with a clear view of the sky,” she said. Even if the weather isn’t ideal, the supermoon will be visible for several days around its peak.

Understanding Blue Moons and Sturgeon Moons

Despite its name, the blue moon will not appear blue. The term “blue moon” refers to either the second full moon in a calendar month or the third full moon in a season with four full moons. “This blue moon is the third in its season, a rare occurrence,” said Schmoll.

The August full moon is also known as the Sturgeon Moon, named by the Algonquin tribes after the large sturgeon fish, which were more easily caught during this time of year.

Upcoming Celestial Events

In addition to the supermoon, skywatchers should look for Jupiter and Mars, which were recently aligned in conjunction. These planets will remain close in the sky during the supermoon’s peak.

Looking ahead, a nova event is expected in the Milky Way’s Corona Borealis constellation, where the T Coronae Borealis star system is anticipated to brighten significantly. This rare event, occurring approximately every 80 years, will be visible for a few days to a week before fading.

Remaining Supermoons of 2024

The remaining supermoons for 2024 will appear on September 18, October 17, and November 15. The September supermoon will also coincide with a partial lunar eclipse, where Earth’s shadow will cover part of the moon. The largest and fullest moon of the year is expected to rise on October 17.

So, mark your calendars for these celestial events and enjoy the wonders of the night sky!

News Source: CNN