2 Supermoons and a Rare Blue Moon to Illuminate August Skies

In August, There Will Be 2 Supermoons And A Rare Blue Moon – Details Here

Prepare for an astronomical treat this August when the night sky will be graced with not one but two supermoons as well as a rare blue moon. We will delve into the fascinating celestial happenings that are set to adorn the heavens in this post, providing you with all the necessary information to make the most of these exceptional occurrences.

The impending double supermoons and the elusive blue moon promise to produce a mesmerizing spectacle you won’t want to miss, whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just a casual night sky viewer. So, brace yourselves for the awe-inspiring beauty of our lunar neighbors in their unusual and bright forms.

The Supermoons and Blue Moon

The full moon rises in the southeast on Tuesday evening, seeming slightly brighter and more significant than usual. Because it will be closer than usual, only 222,159 miles (357,530 km) away, it will be dubbed a supermoon.

The moon will come even closer on August 30 – only 222,043 miles (357,344 km) away. It will be a blue moon because it is the second full moon in the same month. “Warm summer nights are ideal for watching the full moon rise in the eastern sky shortly after sunset. And it happens twice in August,” said Fred Espenak, a retired NASA scientist known as Mr. Eclipse for his eclipse-chasing prowess.

In 2018, two full supermoons appeared in the sky simultaneously. According to Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, head of the Virtual Telescope Project, it will not happen again until 2037. Masi will broadcast a live webcast of the supermoon when it rises over the Coliseum in Rome on Tuesday evening. “My plans are to capture the beauty of this… hopefully bringing the show’s emotion to our viewers,” Masi wrote in an email.

“The supermoon provides us with an excellent opportunity to look up and explore the sky,” he continued. The first supermoon of the year occurred in July. The fourth and final will take place in September. In August, the two will be closer than either of those.

Binoculars or backyard telescopes can improve the experience if the skies are clear, Espenak added, exposing characteristics such as lunar maria — the black plains left by past volcanic lava flows — and rays originating from lunar craters.

The Sturgeon Moon

The August full moon is known as the sturgeon moon, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanack. This is due to the abundance of that fish in the Great Lakes hundreds of years ago around August.

Excitement is building among astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts as they eagerly await the upcoming supermoons and blue moon events. The unique alignment of celestial bodies creates a visual feast in the night sky, captivating observers with its rare beauty.

When Supermoons occur?

Right when the moon reaches its full phase at the point of its orbit closest to Earth, known as perigee. This proximity causes the moon to appear larger and brighter than usual, adding a touch of splendor to the night sky. During the first supermoon event on Tuesday evening, the moon will shine with exceptional radiance, leaving onlookers in awe of its captivating presence.

But the spectacle doesn’t end there. August 30 brings us another supermoon, and this one will be even closer to Earth. The moon will be a mere 222,043 miles away, further enhancing its grandeur. As a bonus rarity, this second full moon of the month earns the title of a “blue moon.” Although it won’t actually appear blue, the term “blue moon” refers to the occurrence of two full moons within a single calendar month, making this lunar event all the more special.

Stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and photographers alike are gearing up to capture this celestial extravaganza. Many will gather in prime locations to witness the moonrise and bask in the enchanting glow of the supermoons. Observatories and virtual webcasts will also offer opportunities for people around the world to marvel at the cosmic display.

While the August supermoons promise a dazzling performance, they also provide educational and scientific opportunities. Amateur astronomers can take advantage of the moon’s close proximity to study its surface in detail, capturing stunning images of lunar features such as lunar maria and crater rays. Backyard telescopes and binoculars will aid in exploring the moon’s fascinating topography, adding a layer of discovery to the visual spectacle.

As the supermoons enchant us with their luminous beauty, astronomers and skywatchers alike are reminded of the infinite wonders that the universe has to offer. The night sky remains a canvas of mystery and splendor, inviting us to gaze upward and contemplate the vastness of space and time.

So, mark your calendars and set aside time to witness the celestial marvels of August. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or simply appreciate the natural wonders of our universe, the double supermoons and blue moon are sure to leave an indelible impression on your heart and mind.