Manashimaya
The night sky in August 2024 will feature a celestial event that is both stunning and rare: the super blue moon. This phenomenon, occurring on Monday, 19th August, has captured the imagination of sky-watchers and casual stargazers alike. But what exactly makes August 2024’s rare super blue moon so special? In this blog, we will delve into what the terms “supermoon,” “blue moon,” and “sturgeon moon” mean, and provide you with all the details on when and how to see this extraordinary lunar event.
What is a Supermoon?
To comprehend the exceptional super blue moon of August 2024, one must first understand what a supermoon is. A supermoon is when a full moon falls on Earth while the moon’s orbit puts it closer than usual. Due to its close closeness, the moon seems larger and brighter in the sky, producing an amazing spectacle. Astrologer Richard Nolle made the phrase “supermoon” popular in 1979, and those who like to look up at the night sky find it to be quite popular. When the uncommon super blue moon occurs in August 2024, the moon appears nearly touchable and envelops the surrounding area in a captivating radiance.
Understanding the Blue Moon
The phrase “blue moon” refers to the moon’s unusualness rather than its color. Blue moons come in two varieties: monthly and seasonal. The exceptional super blue moon that will appear in August 2024 is a seasonal one, meaning that it will only occur once every four full moons in a season. A season typically has three full moons, thus this fourth moon is particularly noteworthy. A blue moon occurs every two to three years, but every ten years or so, there is an even more spectacular event: a blue moon that doubles as a supermoon. One such super blue moon occurred in August 2024.
The Significance of the Sturgeon Moon
In addition to being a super blue moon, August 2024’s rare super blue moon is also known as the sturgeon moon. This name comes from Native American traditions, where different full moons were named to help track the seasons. August’s full moon was called the sturgeon moon because this was the time of year when the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most easily caught. While this name might not be as well-known as “supermoon” or “blue moon,” it adds a layer of cultural history to the event, enriching the experience of viewing August 2024’s rare super blue moon.
When and How to Watch August 2024’s Rare Super Blue Moon
The peak of August 2024’s rare super blue moon will occur at 2:26 p.m. EDT on Monday, 19th August. Unfortunately, for those of us in the UK, this peak time will be during daylight hours, so the moon will be below the horizon. However, don’t despair! The moon will still appear full and impressive when it rises in the eastern sky on Monday evening. According to NASA, the moon will look full for three days, from Sunday morning through early Wednesday, giving you plenty of opportunities to witness this celestial spectacle.
Choose a spot with a good view of the eastern horizon in August 2024 to make the most of the uncommon super blue moon. Seeing the moon in an elevated or more rural location may improve your viewing experience because urban light pollution can reduce the moon’s brightness. This uncommon super blue moon in August 2024 looks to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone, whether they are astronomy enthusiasts or just someone who enjoys the beauty of the night sky.
In conclusion, the uncommon superblue moon that occurs in August 2024 is a singular event that combines the characteristics of a supermoon, a blue moon, and the customary sturgeon moon. Make sure to put this unusual and stunning nighttime sight on your calendar, and get ready to be mesmerized by it.
