The celestial realm has something extraordinary in store for stargazers this August: a captivating duo of supermoons culminating in a unique occurrence known as a blue moon.
Prepare yourselves for a magnificent spectacle on Tuesday evening as the full moon ascends in the southeastern sky, shining slightly brighter and larger than usual. This optical grandeur is due to its closer proximity, just 222,159 miles (357,530 kilometers) away, earning it the esteemed label of a supermoon.
The moon will draw even nearer on the night of August 30, a mere 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) distant. And to add to the excitement, this will be a blue moon, which is the term used for the second full moon to grace the sky within the same month.
Renowned retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak, affectionately known as Mr. Eclipse for his expertise in chasing eclipses, enthusiastically stated, “Warm summer nights are the perfect occasion to witness the full moon majestically rising in the eastern horizon moments after sunset. And this August, we have the privilege of experiencing this twice.”
The last time two full supermoons adorned the nocturnal skies within a single month was back in 2018. It won’t happen again until 2037, as confirmed by Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, the visionary behind the Virtual Telescope Project.
Gianluca Masi has generously agreed to host a live webcast of Tuesday evening’s supermoon, showcasing its magnificence as it emerges above the Coliseum in Rome.
In an email, Masi shared his intentions, saying, “My plans are to capture the beauty of this celestial spectacle, and hopefully evoke the emotions of the show in our viewers.”
He further added, “The supermoon presents us with a remarkable opportunity to gaze upwards and explore the wonders of the cosmos.”
The first supermoon of the year graced us in July, with the final appearance slated for September. However, the pair in August will outshine both in terms of proximity.
Provided the skies are clear, enhance your experience with binoculars or a backyard telescope, suggested Espenak. These aids will enable you to discern mesmerizing details such as lunar maria—which are the dark plains formed by ancient volcanic lava flows—and rays emanating from lunar craters.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon in August is traditionally referred to as the sturgeon moon. This nomenclature originated from the abundance of sturgeons observed in the Great Lakes during August, centuries ago.
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Two supermoons in August mean double the stargazing fun (2023, July 29)
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