Astrophiles, prepare yourself for some spellbinding lunar sightings. A rare super blue moon is all set to grace the night sky on August 19th. Read on to gain insights into this astronomical event along with tips for observation.
Super Blue Moon: A Once-In-A Blue Moon Occurence
The convergence of a supermoon and a blue moon makes up the super blue moon, a celestial rarity. So, before we discuss the August 19 super blue moon, let’s learn a bit about supermoons and blue moons.
Supermoons
Due to its elliptical orbit, at certain points, the moon is at its nearest and furthest distance from Earth. These are called the lunar perigee and apogee, respectively. When a full or new moon orbits within its closest range to Earth, i.e., the lunar perigee, a supermoon occurs. At that time, the distance between the moon and the Earth spans approximately 22,457 miles to 252,712 miles. During this period of proximity, the moon is visibly quite larger and brighter than it usually is. The supermoon, or perigean full moon, is also known as the perigee syzygy moon. In 1979, American astrologer Richard Noelle first used the word ‘supermoon’.
Blue Moons
Although it is called a blue moon, it won’t be blue in color. It will seem yellow or red at dusk because of the way light is reflected off the horizon and the sky. They can be seen once every two or three years. Blue moons occur when there are four full moons in a season or two full moons in a month. The third full moon in the cycle of four full moons is called a seasonal blue moon. When a month includes two full moons, the phrase is also used to describe the second full moon. The second instance was due to a mistake and has been in use since the 1940s. This is according to Gordon Johnston, a retired NASA program executive. This super blue moon is a seasonal blue moon.
The full moon of August also has other nomenclatures. The August full moon is also recognized as a Strugeon Moon. The moniker is of indigenous origin. As per the Maine Farmer’s Almanac, sturgeons were captured with ease during this season. Hence, the tribes that resided in the northeastern expanse of the USA, called it the strugeon moon. It is also known as the Green Corn Moon, due to the harvesting of corn at this time. According to NASA, this moon is also referred to as the Dog Moon, Barley Moon, Grain Moon, Red Moon, and Herb Moon.
Observing The Super Blue Moon
The supermoon will remain for three full days starting on August 19. The moon is expected to be sighted in the night sky from 11:56 p.m. IST onward.
Tips For Skywatchers
Astronomy lovers and skywatchers have been advised by the BBC to pick out spots with less air pollution. Along with this, an open view of the skyline is ideal for observing the super blue moon. The location should also be preferably free from urban lights.
For a cloudless sighting of the celestial spectacle, viewers should also stay informed on the local weather predictions. One can view the moon with their unaided eyes. However, the use of instruments like telescopes and binoculars is recommended. Then, you can zoom in on the moon’s surface and also catch glimpses of Saturn’s rings.
Your eyesight will require some time to adapt to the dark. Chromatic vision will set in within ten minutes or so. However, monocular vision will take about an hour or longer to return to normal. To protect your scotopic vision, ensure minimal exposure to bright light.
Next Supermoons
More good news for selenophiles! This is not the last sighting we will have of the supermoon this year. 2024 is forecast to have three more consecutive supermoon occurrences.
Following the August super blue moon, the next full moon, the Harvest Moon, is anticipated to peak on the 17th of September. A month from that, the Hunter’s Moon will rise on October 17. And finally, the last of this year’s four supermoons, the Beaver Moon, will be visible on November 15th.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or not, the supermoon blue moon is a rare opportunity to witness the lunar brilliance. Make sure to keep these tips in mind for an extraordinarily spectacular experience.
