August’s Celestial Marvel: The First Super Blue Moon of 2024
August is turning out to be a thrilling month for sky enthusiasts, offering a series of stunning celestial events. If you were captivated by the Perseid meteor shower earlier this month, get ready for another awe-inspiring spectacle. On August 19, the first of four consecutive supermoons of 2024 will grace our night sky. Even more exciting, this supermoon coincides with a rare blue moon, creating a unique event that you won’t want to miss. This celestial occurrence will peak at 2:26 p.m. ET, marking a moment of pure astronomical magic.
What Is a Super Blue Moon?
You might be wondering, what exactly is a super blue moon? To break it down, let’s first understand what a supermoon is. The moon’s orbit around Earth isn’t a perfect circle; it’s elliptical, meaning the distance between the Earth and the moon varies as the moon makes its monthly journey around our planet. When the moon reaches its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, it appears significantly larger and brighter than usual. This phenomenon is what we call a supermoon. According to NASA, a supermoon occurs when a full moon is within 90% of its perigee. This results in the moon appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it’s at its farthest point from Earth, known as apogee.
Now, let’s add the “blue moon” into the mix. Despite its name, a blue moon doesn’t actually appear blue in color. The term “blue moon” has two different definitions. The more common one refers to the second full moon in a calendar month, a rare event since a typical month usually hosts only one full moon. However, the blue moon you’ll witness on August 19 falls under the second definition: the third full moon in a season that has four full moons instead of the usual three. This is an even rarer occurrence, with blue moons making up only about 3% of all full moons.
When these two events—supermoon and blue moon—coincide, the result is a super blue moon, a spectacle that happens once in a blue moon, quite literally. The last time we experienced a super blue moon was in August 2023, and the next won’t occur until January and March of 2037. So, this is truly a rare opportunity to see something extraordinary.
How to View the Super Blue Moon
One of the best things about supermoons is that they’re easy to view with the naked eye. You don’t need any special equipment or a specific location to enjoy this bright and beautiful lunar display. As Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University, notes, as long as the sky is clear and free of clouds, you’ll be able to see the super blue moon shortly after sunset. The moon will rise higher in the sky as the night progresses, offering plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of this breathtaking sight.
Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate on August 19, you still have a good chance to see the super blue moon. NASA’s Noah Petro points out that the full moon will be nearly as spectacular the day before and the day after its peak, giving you a three-day window to experience this cosmic event.
The Science Behind the Spectacle
The super blue moon isn’t just a pretty sight; it also has a tangible impact on Earth. Because the moon is closer to our planet during a supermoon, its gravitational pull is stronger, leading to higher-than-normal tides. This phenomenon, known as “perigean spring tides,” can cause slightly higher coastal tides, though it’s not usually enough to cause any significant flooding.
More Celestial Events to Look Forward To
August’s super blue moon is just the beginning of a series of lunar events to look forward to in 2024. The next supermoon will occur on September 18 and will feature a partial lunar eclipse, where Earth’s shadow will partially cover the moon. While it may not be as visually striking as a total lunar eclipse, it’s still worth watching. Following that, another supermoon will appear on October 17, which will be the closest and largest moon of the year, offering yet another chance to marvel at the wonders of our universe.
In addition to the supermoons, keep an eye out for other celestial phenomena. For example, astronomers are expecting a nova in the Milky Way’s Corona Borealis constellation in the next month or so. This event, caused by the explosive collapse of a binary system of stars, will create a temporary “new star” in the night sky. These kinds of events only happen once every 80 years or so, making it a rare and special occasion.
Conclusion
The super blue moon on August 19 is a must-see event for anyone with an interest in the night sky. With its rarity and beauty, it’s a reminder of the incredible wonders that the universe has to offer. So, whether you’re an avid astronomer or just someone who enjoys looking up at the stars, make sure to take some time to appreciate this celestial marvel. And remember, the universe always has something spectacular in store—sometimes, all you have to do is look up.