Blue Moon 2024 – What is it, when and where to see the Sturgeon Supermoon on August 19

Why Luna Sturgeon?

The Blue Moon is also called the Sturgeon Moon after the sturgeon fish. This phenomenon was so called by American Indians, because August is the best time to catch sturgeon, which inhabit the Great Lakes, informs Techno 24.

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This will be the first blue supermoon of the year and the third full moon since the summer solstice on June 20. And the full moon can be observed from August 18 to 20.

Previous full moons this summer were observed June 22 and July 21, 2024.

NASA notes that blue moons of any type are rare events, occurring once every two to three years. The last such events occurred in October 2020 and August 2021and the next one is expected in May 2027.

Is the Blue Moon really blue?

Not really. Seasonal Blue Moon – This is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons. This is the traditional definition of a Blue Moon, and it is the Moon we will see on August 19.

Interesting Facts About the August 19 Supermoon

The Supermoon is the largest and brightest full moon of the year, appearing about 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual. The best time to see this event is just after sunset, when the moon rises above the horizon, creating a particularly impressive sight.

By the way, it is above the horizon that the Moon will seem significantly larger to you. This illusion of perception is connected with how our brain works. In fact, everything is simple – the Moon looks much larger near the horizon than when it is high in the sky.

The phenomenon of “supermoon” has such a name because of the closest location of the satellite to the Earth. At these moments it reaches the closest point of its orbit (perigee), which is located at a distance of about 363,711 kilometers.

Interesting fact! The term “supermoon” was first coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 as “a full moon that occurs when the moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth.” In fact, it’s pretty hard to tell the difference with the naked eye unless you’re an experienced observer.

The largest supermoons can be observed in winter. Then the Earth is closest to the Sun (namely in December). Therefore, the Sun’s gravity pulls the Moon closer to the planet.

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The Sturgeon Moon offers a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers and casual observers to witness a rare and beautiful astronomical phenomenon. Be sure to look up at the sky on the night of August 19 to see this wonderful spectacle.

Important! If you manage to capture a stunning photo or video of the Moon and you want to share it with Techno 24, send the images and permission to use to the author’s email address.