August 2024 promises to captivate skywatchers around the world with the advent of the super blue moon, set to grace the sky on August 19. This celestial event follows closely on the heels of the stunning Perseid meteor shower, offering yet another reason to look up and marvel at the wonders above.
What makes this occurrence so special? A super blue moon combines three distinct astronomical events—it's both a full moon and blue moon, alongside being classified as a supermoon.
The full moon phase happens when the Earth is perfectly aligned with the sun and moon, causing the moon to appear completely illuminated. Meanwhile, the blue moon terminology can be deceptive; it doesn't refer to the moon's color but rather its occurrence.
Typically, a blue moon can occur when there are two full moons within one calendar month or as the third full moon during a season with four full moons. Given the moon's average 29.5-day lunar month, having two full moons within the same month is rare—occurring roughly every two to three years, as reported by NASA.
August's full moon has another name—the Sturgeon moon—originated from the Algonquin Native American tribe who noticed this fish was abundant during this time. So, though the moon may not actually be blue, it carries historical significance tied to the changing seasons.
Now, when can you see this supremely bright moon? According to NASA, the peak of this full moon will occur at precisely 2:26 PM EDT and 11:26 AM PDT on August 19.
For those primarily eager to catch the moon during its full glory, it will be visible to the naked eye from dusk until the early hours of the following morning, with optimal viewing conditions expected on the night of August 19. That being said, we highly recommend binoculars or telescopes to truly appreciate the moon's surface details.
The moon's low position on the horizon means people might witness it take on a reddish hue. This color shift is due to atmospheric scattering, which also allows for those cooler blue and green light wavelengths to dissipate, leaving behind warmer reds.
Mark your calendars—this super blue moon is not merely a one-off spectacle. NASA cites the difficulty of experiencing this phenomenon; the combination of supermoon and blue moon usually happens irregularly, with intervals ranging from ten to twenty years. And just so you don't miscount, the next anticipated super blue moons won't hit until January and March of 2037.
The rich lore surrounding the supermoon adds depth to this celestial event. The term "supermoon" was popularized by the media back in 1979 to describe when the moon is at least 90% of its closest approach to Earth.
When this happens, the moon appears both larger and brighter than usual—a delightful sight during night stargazing. This August's event will mark the first of four consecutive supermoons within this calendar year, with each holding its own unique distinction.
Those hoping to catch this rare occurrence may need to brace for the post-sunset sky. On the evening of August 19, the moon will rise very low on the horizon—about 361,000 km from Earth—so clear skies toward the east/southeast will be especially important.
The romantic imagery evoked by the term “super blue moon” highlights its course through the night sky, but viewers should prepare for something less spectacular than the name suggests. Despite the blue label, the moon will primarily appear bright and silver, with reds highlighting the edges due to atmospheric interference.
So grab your binoculars or telescope, set the reminders on your phone, and prepare to step outside on August 19. Whether you're simply taking it all in or sharing the moment with family and friends, you won't want to miss out on this glimpse of cosmic beauty.
Participate with fellow enthusiasts on various platforms—perhaps even head to local parks or observatories hosting events centered around the super blue moon.
Notably, it’s the blend of science, history, and culture surrounding these lunar phenomena captivating humanity’s imagination since ancient civilizations. This moon carries so much more than gazing at the night sky: it enriches our knowledge surrounding celestial cycles.
For every enthusiast, there’s something soul-stirring about gazing up at the vastness of space, allowing one to contemplate timeless themes of existence beneath the celestial dance. It's the shared experiences—the late-night moonlight walks or family gatherings under its glow—that create lasting memories surrounding events like this.
So, as August 19 approaches, set aside time—respect the wonders of your environment and connect with the spectacle above. Whether it’s through sharing stories or simply embracing the calm, take this moment to honor the visual splendor gracing our skies.
With the autumnal equinox on the horizon, and as the days start to shorten, basking under this super blue moon will offer solace as the seasons shift. It's more than just astronomy; it's about bringing people together and provoking the imagination.
