Skywatchers will be treated to a stunning celestial event on August 19, 2024, when a rare supermoon and blue moon merge. This one-of-a-kind occurrence will not only display the moon at its largest and brightest, but it will also have particular importance as the third full moon of the summer season, earning it the nickname “blue moon.”
On August 19, 2024, a rare supermoon blue moon will peak at 2:26 p.m. EDT. However, it will appear full for three days, August 18-20. During this time, the moon will be visible in the night sky, with the finest views after sunset on the 19th.
What to Expect
- Appearance: The supermoon will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon, approximately 14% larger and 30% brighter due to its proximity to Earth, which will be about 225,288 miles away at its peak.
- Visibility: For those in the U.S., the moon will be best viewed in the evening hours after it rises in the eastern sky. It will be fully illuminated on the night of August 19, making it an excellent opportunity for stargazing.
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon is a full or new moon that comes at or near the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. This alignment makes the Moon appear larger and brighter than usual. A supermoon can seem up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point, known as apogee.
- Perigee: The point in the Moon’s orbit when it is closest to Earth, typically about 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers) away.
- Appearance: While the increase in size and brightness is noticeable, many observers may need careful observation to visually distinguish a supermoon from a regular full moon.
Will the Moon Appear Blue?
No, August’s full moon on the 19th will not appear blue. The term “blue moon” refers to the fact that this full moon is the third of four in the summer season, not its actual appearance.
August’s Full Moon Names
August’s full moon has a few special names:
- Blue Moon: As mentioned, this is the third of four full moons in the summer season, which is defined as the period between the June solstice and September equinox. A blue moon by this definition is relatively rare, occurring about once every 2-3 years.
- Sturgeon Moon: Some Native American tribes named August’s full moon the “Sturgeon Moon” because Sturgeon was most readily caught during this time.
- Green Corn Moon: Other tribes called it the “Green Corn Moon” as corn was harvested around this time of year.
While the moon may appear slightly larger and brighter than usual due to being a supermoon (the moon’s orbit is closest to Earth), it will not be blue. A blue-colored moon is an extremely rare phenomenon that can occur when the atmosphere contains particles of a certain size that selectively scatter red light, causing the moon to appear blue. This has happened after major volcanic eruptions or forest fires but is not expected for this full moon.
August’s full moon on the 19th is a special “blue moon” in the seasonal sense, but will appear as a bright, white supermoon rather than blue. The next seasonal blue moon is not expected until May 2027.
Source: jagranjosh
