Stargazers and photography lovers are gearing up for a spectacular sight this Monday as the first supermoon of 2024 takes center stage. Dubbed the "blue" sturgeon supermoon, this astronomical event is generating plenty of buzz.
The phenomenon will reach its peak on August 19 at 6:26 PM UTC, with many eager to see this rare celestial occurrence. According to NASA, the supermoon will occur when the moon is full and nearly at its closest point to Earth, known as perigee.
For the best viewing experience, enthusiasts should look for the moon Monday evening, as it is expected to appear larger and brighter than usual. It’s informed by the potential visual illusion when the moon is low on the horizon, making it seem even fuller.
A supermoon happens when the moon is full (or new) and is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. This week’s moon sits at approximately 226,000 miles away, significantly closer than the average distance of about 238,900 miles.
The term "supermoon" may sound quaint, but it describes a perfectly valid celestial occurrence. Essentially, because the moon's orbit is elliptical rather than circular, it can come drastically closer to Earth at certain times of the year.
This upcoming moon is particularly special not only because it's super but also due to its designation as a “blue” moon. Interestingly, this doesn't mean the moon will actually look blue; the term is tied to how we categorize lunar events.
August’s full moon is known as the sturgeon moon, named after the large fish prevalent during this time of year, making it quite unique. The tradition of naming moons is traced back to the Old Farmer's Almanac, providing each month’s full moon with specific seasonal identifiers.
Now, when it’s labeled as having “blue” status, it actually refers to the third full moon occurring within a single season hosting four full moons. This could also be related to the rare occurrence of two full moons within the same month, but not this time around as August is set for just one full moon this year.
Many people might think blue moons come by once every blue moon. But actually, NASA indicates these bluish supermoons occur every two to three years, giving people several chances to catch them.
Throughout this year, the sky will offer several more supermoons, with others occurring on September 18, October 17, and November 15. October's supermoon is expected to be the closest at just 222,055 miles from Earth.
While the excitement builds for the sturgeon supermoon, it is worth noting the moon will still look impressively full starting Sunday morning through to early Wednesday. So, marking calendars for these key days could lead to excellent photographic opportunities.
Ongoing advancements in smartphone technology allow more people to capture the beauty of the fullness of the moon. Some simple tips to improve your moon photography will go a long way, especially on this very special night.
With people preparing their cameras and stepping outside, there’s palpable enthusiasm surrounding this cosmic encounter. The rarity of two notable celestial events occurring together makes it even more thrilling for those with their eyes set upon the night sky.
The celestial calendar seems to be brimming with exciting opportunities this year. From solar eclipses to dazzling meteor showers, each event reaffirms humanity's connection to the vast universe around us.
The anticipation for Monday's supermoon is building across social media platforms where amateur astronomers and star enthusiasts share their excitement. This gathering of shared anticipation unites people across distances as they all wait to witness the beauty of the sturgeon supermoon.
Whether it’s just the thrill of witnessing such astronomy or the perfect photo opportunity this moon grants, the supermoon promises to capture imaginations far and wide. Each full moon not only brightens the night sky but also rekindles wonder about the cosmos.
For those who can venture outside, August 19 presents the chance to marvel at one of nature's most beautiful phenomena. Don’t miss out on the chance to see the first supermoon of 2024 shining bright.
So, get ready, grab your cameras, and prepare for what should be one of the brightest and most photogenic evenings of the year. Who knows? It might just leave you with lasting memories of staring up at the luminous sturgeon supermoon.
