August Brings a Month of Supermoons for Moon Lovers
August is set to be an exciting month for moon lovers, as it opens and closes with two supermoons. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the Full Sturgeon Moon will rise, followed by the Full Blue Moon on Aug. 30.
Not only are both of these full moons supermoons, but they also mark the midpoints in a series of four lunar events that began with the Full Buck Moon on July 3.
In New York City, the Sturgeon supermoon will rise at around 9:30 p.m. EDT on Aug. 1 and set at 5:11 a.m. EDT on Aug. 2. The Full Blue Moon, on the other hand, will rise at 7:10 p.m. EDT on Aug. 30 and set at 6:46 a.m. EDT on Aug. 31.
Supermoons occur when the moon is both in the full moon phase of its 29.5-day lunar cycle and when it is closest to Earth in its elliptical orbit. Although the moon doesn’t have to be exactly at its closest point, these supermoons will result in a 30% brightening of the moon and a 14% increase in the size of the lunar disk as seen from Earth.
During the Full Sturgeon Moon, the moon will be around 222,158 miles from Earth, compared to its average distance of 238,000 miles. The perigee, the point where the moon is closest to Earth, will occur on Aug. 2, further enhancing the supermoon effect.
The Full Blue Moon on Aug. 30 will be even closer to Earth, at around 222,043 miles away. This will make it the closest and brightest supermoon of 2023.
However, these differences may not be noticeable with the naked eye unless one is a seasoned moon-watcher or pays close attention to the moon nightly.
The “summer of supermoons” will come to an end on Sept. 28 with the Full Corn Moon. Next year, there will only be two supermoons, occurring on Sept. 18 and Oct. 18, 2024.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the upcoming supermoons, there are guides available on the best telescopes and binoculars. Additionally, photographers can check out guides on how to photograph the moon, as well as the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
If readers capture images of the Full Sturgeon Moon and would like to share them, they can send their photos, comments, name, and location to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on Space.com.
August is indeed a special month for moon enthusiasts, with two supermoons gracing the night sky. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the wonders of the universe and witness the majestic beauty of our celestial neighbor.