August 19, 2024: Rare Supermoon and Blue Moon to Light Up the Sky

On August 19, 2024, a rare supermoon, a blue moon, will peak at 2:26 p.m. EDT. However, the moon will be full for three days, from August 18 to 20. During this time, the moon will be clearly visible in the night sky, with the best view after sunset on the 19th.

expect

• Appearance: A supermoon will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon, about 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon due to its closer distance to Earth, at its peak being about 225,288 miles from Earth.
• Visibility: For Americans, the best viewing time is in the evening after the moon rises in the eastern sky. The moon will be fully illuminated on the night of August 19, making it a great time for stargazing.

What is a supermoon?

A supermoon is a full or new moon at or near the moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit, called perigee. This alignment makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual. A supermoon appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest point, called apogee.

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• Perigee: The point in the Moon’s orbit when it is closest to the Earth, usually about 226,000 miles (363,300 kilometers) from Earth.
• Appearance: While the increase in size and brightness is obvious, many observers may need to look closely to visually distinguish a supermoon from a regular full moon.

Will the moon appear blue?

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No, the full moon on August 19 will not appear blue. The term “blue moon” refers to the fact that this full moon is the third of four full moons in summer, not its actual appearance.

August’s full moon names

August’s full moon has several special names:

• Blue Moon: As mentioned earlier, this is the third of four full moons during summer, which is defined as the period between the June and September equinoxes. By this definition, a Blue Moon is relatively rare, occurring approximately once every 2-3 years.
• Sturgeon Moon: Some Native American tribes named the August full moon the “Sturgeon Moon” because sturgeon were most easily caught at this time.
• Green Corn Moon: Other tribes called it the “Green Corn Moon” because corn was harvested at this time of year.

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Because it is a supermoon (the closest the moon’s orbit will be to Earth), the moon may appear larger and brighter than usual, but it will not be blue. A blue moon is an extremely rare phenomenon that occurs when the atmosphere contains particles of a certain size that selectively scatter red light, causing the moon to appear blue. This has happened after major volcanic eruptions or forest fires, but it is not expected to occur with this full moon.

The full moon on August 19 is a special seasonal “Blue Moon,” but it will appear as a bright white supermoon rather than blue. The next seasonal Blue Moon is not expected until May 2027.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion