Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat this August as the cosmos offers a celestial double feature: a pair of supermoons, with one of them culminating in a rare blue moon.
The first supermoon is set to grace the sky on Tuesday evening, as the full moon rises in the southeast. This lunar spectacle will appear slightly brighter and bigger than usual due to its proximity, being just 222,159 miles (357,530 kilometers) away from Earth, earning it the label of a supermoon.
The excitement doesn’t end there, as the moon will be even closer on the night of August 30, a mere 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) distant. Coincidentally, this is the second full moon of the same month, making it a blue moon.
Astrophysicist Fred Espenak, known as Mr. Eclipse for his expertise in chasing eclipses, remarked that warm summer nights are the ideal time to observe the full moon rising in the eastern sky shortly after sunset. The phenomenon will occur twice in August, providing double the stargazing opportunity.
It’s noteworthy that the last time two full supermoons appeared in the same month was back in 2018, and the next occurrence won’t happen until 2037, as shared by Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, the founder of the Virtual Telescope Project.
Masi plans to offer a live webcast of Tuesday evening’s supermoon as it rises over the Coliseum in Rome, aiming to capture the beauty of the event and share it with viewers, allowing them to appreciate the spectacle of the sky.
This year’s first supermoon occurred in July, and the final one will grace the night in September. However, the two supermoons in August will be even closer than the previous ones, presenting an exceptional viewing opportunity.
With clear skies, those with binoculars or backyard telescopes can enhance their experience, according to Espenak. These optical aids can reveal fascinating features of the moon, such as lunar maria, which are dark plains formed by ancient volcanic lava flows, and rays emanating from lunar craters.
Traditionally known as the sturgeon moon, the August full moon holds significance according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. This name was inspired by the abundance of sturgeon fish in the Great Lakes during August, several centuries ago.
So, this August, mark your calendars and make sure to seize the opportunity to witness the captivating celestial performances of the supermoons, appreciating the wonders of the sky.