The largest and brightest full moon of 2024 will appear in the sky on Monday, August 19. This unique phenomenon, known as a “super blue moon,” combines two astronomical phenomena. What can we expect on this day?
The August full moon, traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon, is being called a Super Blue Moon this year. A blue moon is the rare occurrence of four full moons in a season, and August’s full moon is the third. The previous full moons occurred on June 22 and July 21, and the next one, known as the Harvest Moon, will appear on September 18, just before the autumnal equinox.
Super Blue Moon – When and How to Spot It?
The August full moon is also a supermoon, which actually means the moon is at perigee, the closest point in its orbit to Earth. This is when the silver ball appears larger and brighter than usual. So this is the perfect time to watch it. When is the best time to do so?
The best time to observe the Sturgeon Moon will be on the evening of August 19, when the silver planet rises above the eastern horizon. The phenomenon should also be visible the day before and the day after. You don’t need telescopes or binoculars to enjoy it, but they can help you see details on the lunar surface.
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In 2024, we will have many opportunities to enjoy the full moon, including the supermoon and the supermoon. In the coming months, we will see:
- September 18 (Super Moon),
- October 17 (Super Moon),
- November 15,
- December 15th.
There are many other interesting astronomical phenomena waiting for us this year. This category includes, among others: a partial lunar eclipse visible in Poland on September 18, the maximum of the Draconid meteor shower (October 8), the maximum of the Orionid meteor shower (October 21), the maximum of the Leonid meteor shower (November 17/18), the maximum of the Geminid meteor shower (December 13/14), or the maximum of the Ursids meteor shower (December 22).
