What to know about August’s Blue Moon, the first Supermoon of the year

By Good Info News Wire

August 11, 2024

Discover everything you need to know about August’s Full Blue Moon, the first Supermoon of the year, including what it is and what makes it so special.

Iowans have a special fondness for the night sky, and with good reason. In the vast, open expanses of the Hawkeye State, the heavens put on some truly spectacular shows.

Celestial events, from meteor showers to eclipses, offer a breathtaking glimpse into the universe’s wonders and bring communities together under the stars. This August, the sky is set to dazzle with the Full Blue Moon, which also happens to be the first Supermoon of the year.

So grab your telescopes and lawn chairs, and get ready to enjoy this rare and radiant event. Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the Full Blue Moon?

The Full Blue Moon will reach its peak on August 19, 2024, at 1:26 p.m. CDT (18:26 GMT). Although the Full Moon phase lasts for just a moment, the Moon will appear full for several days around this date.

This year, the August Full Moon will be in the constellation Aquarius, making it a perfect celestial event to observe with the help of apps like Star Walk 2 and Sky Tonight.

What is a Blue Moon?

A Blue Moon is a term used to describe either the third of four Full Moons in an astronomical season (seasonal Blue Moon) or the second Full Moon in a calendar month (calendrical Blue Moon).

The upcoming Blue Moon on August 19, 2024, is a seasonal Blue Moon, as it is the third Full Moon in the season between the June solstice and the September equinox. The next Blue Moon after this will be a calendrical Blue Moon on May 31, 2026.

What is a Supermoon?

A Supermoon occurs when a Full or New Moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This proximity enhances its visual impact, with Supermoons appearing up to 7% bigger and 16% brighter than regular Full Moons.

The Full Blue Moon on August 19, 2024, will also be the first Supermoon of the year, followed by another Supermoon on September 18, 2024.

Cultural Significance and Alternative Names

The August Full Moon is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, named by Native American tribes around the Great Lakes who found this time ideal for fishing sturgeon.

Other Native American names for this moon include the Corn Moon, Ricing Moon, and Black Cherries Moon. The Anglo-Saxons called it the Grain Moon, while the Cree referred to it as the Flying Up Moon, marking the time when young birds learn to fly.

In various cultures, this moon is also known as the Red Moon due to the reddish hue it takes on in the late summer haze. Additionally, it’s called the Harvest Moon in Chinese tradition, the Dispute Moon in Celtic culture, and the Herbal Moon in Wiccan tradition.

Mark Your Calendars

The August Full Moon is not just an astronomical event but a cultural phenomenon rich with historical significance and varied interpretations across different societies. This year, its combination with the Blue Moon and Supermoon phenomena makes it an even more special event for skywatchers and cultural enthusiasts alike. You won’t want to miss it!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.