Witness A Rare Super Blue Moon On August 19

On August 19, 2024, astronomy enthusiasts and skygazers will have the rare opportunity to witness an extraordinary celestial event. The August 19 full moon will be a "super blue moon." And it will be the only one of its kind in 2024, promising an unforgettable visual experience for all who take the time to observe and appreciate the wonders of the night sky.

Breaking It Down

So, what do these terms mean? The "super" part refers to the moon's orbit, which brings it slightly closer to Earth this month, making it appear bigger and brighter. When a supermoon occurs, a full moon is at its closest point to the Earth, resulting in a stunning and awe-inspiring sight. The moon appears significantly larger and radiates a brilliance that is up to 15% brighter than a typical full moon. The "blue" part means this is the third of four full moons this season, an unusual occurrence. How rare is the super/blue combination? A blue moon happens once every two or three years on average, according to NASA, but a blue moon that's also a supermoon is even more uncommon. Super blue moons can come as much as 20 years apart – but generally, 10 years is the average.

When And Where To See It

Get ready to witness the stunning full moon on August 18, 19, and 20. The full moon will be visible across Asia and Australia, gracing the morning of August 20 from Nepal Standard Time and travelling eastward to the International Date Line. In India, you can experience the full moon during the night of August 19 and into the early morning of August 20.

Astronomy experts have said that the full moon is expected to rise at 2:26 PM EDT on August 19 and maintain its almost complete appearance on the surrounding nights. According to NASA, the moon will actually appear full for three days, from Sunday morning through early Wednesday. This particular occurrence of the supermoon-blue moon will be observable globally. However, the precise visibility times might differ based on geographic location and time zone.

Remember, the super blue moon will occur at 2:26 pm EDT on Monday. The best time to view the moon at its largest and brightest will be shortly after the moonrise and just above the horizon. So, make sure to check for moonrise times in your area. If you don't have a telescope, use a pair of binoculars. You'll likely find yourself returning repeatedly, using your binoculars to track the moon. Additionally, check with your city's observatory - they may be hosting a moon-sighting event. Many astronomy clubs will be doing something similar. Keep observing the moon over the coming days, as the waning phases will provide interesting shadows to spot on the surface.

Coming Up In The Sky

If you miss this big celestial event, there's good news. This celestial event will be the year’s first of four supermoons. We are expected to see four supermoons in a row this year. August’s mesmerising celestial event heralds the start of a captivating series of lunar spectacles. September's supermoon is set to coincide with a partial lunar eclipse, offering a breathtaking visual sight. Prepare for the year’s closest lunar approach in October, when the moon takes centre stage. As the year draws to a close, November’s supermoon will present a stunning conclusion to this year's lunar wonders. Bookmark the dates - 2024's supermoons occur on 18 September, 17 October and 15 November.