Sky enthusiasts are in for a spectacular view on August 19, 2024, as a remarkable supermoon graces the night sky. This supermoon, one of the largest and brightest of the year, will shine brightly as it reaches its closest point to Earth during its full phase. The event is further highlighted by its rarity—a Blue Moon coinciding with the supermoon. This combination is exceptional, occurring only a few times each decade.
Traditionally, the full moon of August is known as the “Sturgeon Moon.” As such, this supermoon will also be referred to as the “Sturgeon Blue Moon.”
Understanding the Blue Moon
Despite its name, a Blue Moon doesn’t actually appear blue. The term describes two distinct phenomena:
- Seasonal Blue Moon: This occurs when there are four full moons in a single season. The third full moon in this series is called a Blue Moon. The August 19 supermoon is a seasonal Blue Moon of this type.
- Monthly Blue Moon: This happens when two full moons occur in a single calendar month. Although this definition originated from a misunderstanding of the seasonal Blue Moon, it has become widely accepted as an alternate meaning.
Gordon Johnston, a retired NASA Program Executive, explains, “Though it won’t appear blue, this is a Blue Moon because it’s the third full moon in a season with four. The term ‘Blue Moon’ first appeared in English around 1528.” He adds that the origin of the term is debated, with theories ranging from it meaning “betrayer Moon” due to its historical scheduling errors, to occasional atmospheric conditions making the moon appear blue. Since the 1940s, the term has also been applied to the second full moon within a single month.
Viewing the Supermoon
The supermoon will be visible on August 19, appearing full for three days. It is expected to rise at 11:56 pm IST. For the best viewing experience, find a location with minimal air pollution and an unobstructed view of the horizon. The moon will rise in the southeast and east, so choose a spot away from city lights to enjoy a clearer view.
While the supermoon is visible to the naked eye, using a telescope or binoculars can enhance your view by revealing more details on the moon’s surface. Check the local weather forecast to avoid any cloud cover that might obstruct your view.
To fully appreciate the supermoon, allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. It takes about 10 minutes for color vision to adjust and up to an hour for black-and-white vision to fully adapt. To preserve your night vision, minimize exposure to bright lights.
Next Supermoon
In addition to the August supermoon, 2024 will feature three more supermoons. The Harvest Moon on September 17 will be a notable event as it will be partially eclipsed by Earth. The next supermoon will occur on October 17, known as the Hunter’s Moon, which will be the closest full moon of the year. The final supermoon of 2024 is set for November 15.
