Get Ready for a Month of Supermoons: Full Sturgeon Moon Tonight and Rare Full Blue Moon at the End of August

Attention all stargazers and moon lovers: August is set to be an exciting month as it will begin and end with two supermoons. The first of these celestial treats, known as the Full Sturgeon Moon, will rise tonight, Tuesday Aug. 1. And to close out the month, there will be a special and rare Full Blue Moon on Aug. 30.

But what exactly is a supermoon? The moon orbits around the Earth in an oval shape, bringing it closer to and farther from our planet as it goes around. The farthest point in this orbit is called the apogee, which is about 253,000 miles from Earth on average. On the other hand, the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as the perigee, at an average distance of around 226,000 miles.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon appears at perigee. Due to its close proximity to Earth, the moon appears up to about 14% larger and 30% brighter during this phenomenon. To illustrate the difference, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has provided an image of the moon, showing the apparent size and brightness of a supermoon compared to a “micromoon” (full moon at apogee, or farthest distance from Earth).

The first supermoon of the month, the Full Sturgeon Moon, will rise over the sky tonight and reach total perigee on Aug. 2. This full moon is called the “Sturgeon Moon” because Native American tribes in the Great Lakes area found sturgeon most readily caught during this part of summer. It follows the “Buck Moon” that occurred at the start of July.

What makes this month’s supermoons even more special is the occurrence of a “blue moon.” While most years have 12 full moons, one for each month, this year will see 13 full moons, with a second full moon in August. When a second full moon happens in the same calendar month, it is known as a “blue moon.” The phrase “once in a blue moon” comes from this rare event. The moon’s cycle takes 29.5 days to complete, so occasionally two full moons fit into a single month. According to NASA, blue moons occur about every three years on average, with the next one coming in May 2026. Adding to the rarity, this month’s blue moon will also be a supermoon.

The last time two supermoons occurred in the same month was in 2018, and it won’t happen again until 2037. So, this is a unique opportunity for stargazers and moon enthusiasts to witness this celestial phenomenon.

To see tonight’s Full Sturgeon supermoon in Southern California, find a dark and open location away from light pollution. Although viewing may be challenging due to partly to mostly cloudy skies in the region, the Sturgeon supermoon will be bright and large enough to see from most locations. In Los Angeles, moonrise will occur at 8:27 p.m. To find out the specific time the moon will rise in your area, you can refer to the provided link.

For a closer look at the moon’s features, consider using binoculars or a telescope. Enjoy this rare celestial event and make the most of the supermoons in August!

How can stargazers and moon lovers best observe the supermoons in August

Attention all stargazers and moon lovers: August is a thrilling month for celestial events as it will begin and end with two supermoons. The first supermoon, known as the Full Sturgeon Moon, rose on Tuesday, August 1. And to close out the month with a special and rare occurrence, there will be a Full Blue Moon on August 30.

Now, what exactly is a supermoon? The moon follows an oval-shaped orbit around the Earth, bringing it closer to and farther from our planet as it revolves. The farthest point in this orbit is called the apogee, which is approximately 253,000 miles away from Earth on average. On the other hand, the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as the perigee, at an average distance of around 226,000 miles.

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the perigee, resulting in the moon appearing up to about 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. This phenomenon creates a mesmerizing spectacle for observers. To help visualize the difference, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has provided an image comparing the apparent size and brightness of a supermoon to a “micromoon” (a full moon at apogee).

For those interested in viewing the supermoons, the first one has already occurred on August 1, and the second one will take place on August 30. The best time to observe the supermoon is shortly after sunset, around 9 pm onwards, depending on cloud cover. It is suggested to find a location with a clear view of the eastern sky. Although the supermoon can be seen from various places, the specific visibility and conditions may vary.

So mark your calendars and don’t miss out on these stunning celestial events. Whether you’re a stargazer or simply fascinated by the moon, the supermoons in August offer an extraordinary opportunity to witness the moon in its grandeur. Enjoy the beauty of these natural wonders!