Look up at the evening sky this month and the full moon may appear larger than usual. That’s because the full moon in August will also be the first full supermoon of 2024.
Here’s what you need to know about the Sturgeon Moon, which will peak mid-afternoon on August 19.
Moon cycle
The first supermoon of the year is set to be blue, appearing larger and brighter in the evening sky on Monday, August 19. This comes after July’s full moon, the Black Moon. The moon is currently in its waxing crescent phase at 3% illumination.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full or new moon occurs during the closest point in the moon’s orbit to Earth, according to NASAA full moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter at its closest point in orbit.
What is a blue moon?
When there are four full moons in a season, the third moon is considered a blue moon, according to Space.comThe August full moon will be the third of four full moons this summer. This moon is known as a seasonal blue moon, which doesn’t mean the moon looks blue. Blue moons typically occur every two to three years.
more:The northern lights are expected to be visible Wednesday night and Thursday in Michigan.
more:Moonless nights, dark-sky parks, and more: What you need to know to see the Milky Way this summer
How did the sturgeon moon get its name?
The name Sturgeon Moon comes from the giant sturgeon, a fish that was historically caught in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during this part of the summer, according to Farmer’s Calendar. Alternative names for the August full moon include the Cree Flying Moon, the Dakota Harvest Moon, the Anishinaabe Rice Moon, the Tlingit Mountain Shadow Moon, and the Assiniboine Black Cherry Moon.
peak viewing
Look southeast after sunset on Monday, August 19, to catch a glimpse of the Sturgeon Moon. Clear skies will ensure the best view, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
The moon will reach its peak in mid-afternoon at 2:26 p.m., but will appear full between August 18 and 20, rising above the horizon on the evening of August 19.
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