Supermoons, full moons and blue moons: What does it all mean?
The Moon’s phases and the months of the year are inextricably linked – the word ‘month’ even takes its root from the word ‘moon’.
Ginny Little, Palm Beach Post
The August full moon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, is bigger and brighter than ever, as the one that will light up the night sky tonight is considered a super blue moon. The astronomical event has a remarkable rarity since it is a combination of two phenomena in one: the supermoon and the blue moon.
The last time a blue supermoon was seen was last year during this month, but the lunar phenomenon will not return for more than a decade, in January and March of 2037. The uniqueness of this celestial event is reason enough for you to delight in appreciating the grandeur and brightness of our natural satellite tonight.
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What is a blue supermoon and how can you observe the August full moon? We explain.
When is the full moon in August?
The moon enters its full phase this Monday, August 19. This month’s full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon and this time it is a unique event, as what we will see in the night sky is a blue supermoon.
Why is it called Sturgeon Moon?
The August full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon. According to timeanddateIt is known in this way due to the large quantity of sturgeon fish that can be found in the Great Lakes region of North America during this time of year.
What is a blue supermoon?
To understand what a blue supermoon is, we first need to explain two separate concepts that make up the phenomenon we will experience tonight: what is a supermoon? and what is a blue moon?
According to the NASAA supermoon is an event that occurs when the moon passes at its closest point (perigee) and fastest point (apogee) to the Earth as it completes its elliptical orbit. As this happens, the moon appears larger and brighter in the sky.
On the other hand, a blue moon is a phenomenon that occurs when there are two full moons in the same month (monthly blue moon), or when there are four full moons during a season of the year instead of the traditional number of three (seasonal blue moon).
This time, we will experience the seasonal blue moon because there will be four full moons this summer: Strawberry Moon (June 21), Deer Moon (July 21), Sturgeon Moon (August 19), and Harvest Moon (September 18).
It is estimated that a quarter of full moons become supermoons, while only 3% are blue moons.
Will the moon appear blue?
No, “blue moon” is just the term used to name the phenomenon and does not mean that the moon will literally appear blue in the sky. However, there are times when it is possible to see this hue on the moon. This happens during lunar eclipses or when small particles in the air, usually smoke or dust, can scatter red wavelengths of light, making the moon appear blue.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon, known as the Harvest Moon, will be on September 18.
What is the cultural and religious significance of the full moon?
According to timeanddate, the lunar celestial body has had an impact on cultures, religions and the spiritual world since ancient times. The date of Easter Sunday, for example, is determined by the full moon and the spring equinox. It was also believed that the moon could cause mental problems – hence the term “lunatic”. For many, the full moon phase symbolises the closing of cycles.
Contact reporter Paula Soria by email [email protected].
