Have you been keeping your eyes on the night sky? If you haven’t, you might want to start because there’s some celestial magic happening this month, especially across the Hudson Valley.
Just recently, residents were treated to the breathtaking sight of the Northern Lights dazzling across the evening sky, much to the surprise of many who had only been anticipating the upcoming Perseids Meteor Shower. Capturing this natural phenomenon with their cameras, stargazers kicked off the week with spectacular photos, but that's just the beginning of the cosmic excitement.
Mark your calendars because something even more amazing is on the way this August. The Full Moon, affectionately dubbed the Sturgeon Moon, will grace us with its presence on August 19th, 2024, serving up quite the visual feast.
According to NASA, this full moon is set to be a Supermoon Blue Moon, meaning it’ll look particularly stunning, appearing full for three days from Sunday morning through early Wednesday morning. Supermoons—the biggest and brightest of the year—are always worth the watch, especially for those with stargazing on their minds.
This month’s Supermoon will reach its peak brightness around 8:07 PM, provided the clouds don't decide to crash the party. No one likes cloudy skies when you're trying to enjoy the beauty of the night, right?
With August already packed with thrilling celestial events, it’s safe to say there’s no shortage of excitement for astronomy enthusiasts. And let's not forget, the full moon phenomenon doesn’t come around every day—marking unique moments throughout the year.
But what’s the deal with Blue Moons? While you might think of rare occurrences when people say “once in a blue moon,” it actually refers to two distinct meanings. The more common definition indicates the second full moon occurring within the same calendar month.
This month will feature both the Supermoon and the Blue Moon, which is pretty remarkable. The next Blue Moon isn’t expected to reappear until 2026, making this event even more special!
To get the best experience of the Supermoon and venture out with your family or friends, it's suggested to find clear skies away from the hustle and bustle of city lights. Although you can catch the view unaided, binoculars can heighten the experience even more.
Each month, the full moon carries its own name steeped in tradition and history. From the Wolf Moon of January to the Cold Moon of December, these names reflect seasonal changes and past cultural practices.
August’s Sturgeon Moon is named after the sturgeon fish, which were abundant and caught during this time. Other names, like the Grain Moon, also reflect agricultural traditions of native tribes well before our modern time.
With 2024 rolling on, there are plenty of other moon-related events to keep on your radar. Do you ever wonder what the best month is for stargazing? Well, it’s all about finding the right time, location, and sometimes, even the equipment!
You might find other celestial events like meteor showers throughout the year, including those spectacular Perseids, which are set to peak mid-August. Each year, this meteor shower amazes spectators with its vibrant streaks across the sky, making it another splendid reason to look up!
For those excited to catch the evening spectacle, there’s also the rise of the full Harvest Moon later this fall, which will be visible on September 29th. Harvest Moon derives from its significance for farmers, as it allowed for extended nighttime harvesting.
With celestial events like these, there’s no shortage of reasons to gather friends and family outdoors for some good old-fashioned stargazing. Who knows what marvels will appear next as winter approaches and the night skies darken earlier?
Curiosity often leads us to learn more about not just the moons and stars, but the remarkable stories woven throughout our history with the universe. So, as the Sturgeon Moon rises, it’s time to reflect on those stories and celebrate the beauty of the night.
From the mythological narratives to the excitement of modern astronomy, the sky is more than just the dark overhead; it’s a canvas of human storytelling and exploration. Don’t forget to snap photographs and share them with fellow moon-watchers!
