Mark Your Calendars: August 2024 to Feature Stunning Full Moon Viewing Opportunities

August will offer the opportunity to see the full Moon (Illustrative Image Infobae)

In 2024, the Moon once again captures humanity’s attention with its phases, especially the dazzling full Moons that bathe the night sky in light. These lunar phases are not only a visual delight but also an astronomical phenomenon that influences various aspects of life on Earth, including natural and cultural cycles.

The full Moon, also known as plenilunium, occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, allowing sunlight to completely illuminate the lunar surface visible from our planet. This phenomenon takes place approximately every 29 days, completing a lunar cycle that includes the new Moon, the first quarter, the full Moon, and the last quarter. During these moments, the pearl-like glow of the full Moon can be enjoyed without the need for special equipment, as long as the sky is clear.

The complete lunar cycle will be observable this month (Illustrative Image Infobae)

For astronomy enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy the splendor of nature, knowing the exact dates of the full Moons is essential. In August 2024, one of these wonderful displays is expected, where the Moon will reach its peak brightness. This article focuses on the lunar calendar and when we will be able to observe this magnificent celestial phenomenon, ensuring we do not miss a single detail.

In August 2024, the full Moon will be observable on the 19th at 15:26 hours. This phenomenon, which completely illuminates the lunar surface visible from Earth, will offer a spectacle that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the country, as long as the weather conditions allow.

The lunar appearance offers a celestial visual spectacle (Illustrative Image Infobae)

The lunar cycle comprises four main phases of our natural satellite: the new Moon, the first quarter, the full Moon, and the last quarter. Each of these phases is determined by the positions of the Moon, the Earth, and the Sun in space due to the orbits they follow: the Earth with respect to the Sun and the Moon with respect to the Earth.

• August 4 – New Moon (nuvilunio): during this phase, the Moon does not reflect sunlight and is not visible from Earth. It marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle.
• August 12 – First Quarter: this is the phase of the Moon between the new Moon and the full Moon when it is illuminated on its right half. It occurs one week after the new Moon, when it has moved a quarter in its orbit. It marks the start of its next phase.
• August 19 – Full Moon (plenilunio): the lunar phase in which the Moon aligns with the Sun and the Earth, becoming visible as it reflects sunlight entirely and is fully illuminated.
• August 26 – Last Quarter: after the full Moon, this is the lunar phase in which the Moon begins to decrease its visible brightness and becomes visible when it only reflects light on its left side. It marks the end and beginning of the lunar phase.

The dates of the lunar phases in 2024 are already planned (Illustrative Image Infobae)

After August, the 2024 lunar calendar will continue with the following key dates:

• New Moon: September 4
• First Quarter: September 11
• Full Moon: September 17
• Last Quarter: September 24
• New Moon: October 2
• First Quarter: October 10
• Full Moon: October 17
• Last Quarter: October 24
• New Moon: October 31
• First Quarter: November 8
• Full Moon: November 15
• Last Quarter: November 22
• New Moon: November 30
• First Quarter: December 8
• Full Moon: December 15
• Last Quarter: December 22