A supermoon is visible in the sky over the coast of Lloret de Mar, Spain, on the 19th (local time). Shinwha News Agency Newsis
The supermoon rises during the baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox at Oracle Park in San Francisco, USA on the 19th (local time). AP Newsis
The supermoon rises during the baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago White Sox at Oracle Park in San Francisco, USA on the 19th (local time). AP Newsis
The first super blue moon of 2024 lit up the world between the 19th and 20th. Photos of the super blue moon taken by international press photographers have been shared widely.
A super blue moon is a lunar event that combines a supermoon and a blue moon.
The supermoon rises behind the Temple of Poseidon in Athens, Greece on the 19th (local time). AP Newsis
On the 20th (local time), the supermoon rises over Tower Bridge in London, England. AP Newsis. The moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical manner, causing it to appear larger and brighter when it is closest to the Earth, which is known as a supermoon. A supermoon is approximately 7% larger and 16% brighter than a regular full moon.
Blue moons can be classified as seasonal blue moons and monthly blue moons. According to NASA, the moon phases change in a 29.5-day cycle, resulting in a difference of about 11 days per year. Consequently, there is one additional full moon in a month every 2 years and 8 months. This can lead to situations where there are four full moons within a single season, with the third full moon designated as a seasonal blue moon. The concept of the monthly blue moon was popularized in 1946 when the well-known American astronomy magazine ‘Sky and Telescope’ mistakenly published the second full moon of a month as a blue moon, leading to widespread recognition.
The supermoon rises in the sky over Kaszelle, Copenhagen, Denmark on the 19th (local time). AP Newsis. Nowadays, even ordinary individuals can easily capture images of the supermoon with smartphones featuring a 100x zoom function. Photographers also often position airplanes, statues, or buildings in front of the moon to enhance its apparent size. Moon photographs typically utilize telephoto lenses because they alter the perspective, making the background appear distant while keeping the subject close.
The next Super Blue Moon is set to occur eight years later, on August 21, 2032, following the seasonal blue moon. If you missed it this time, don’t be disheartened, as regular supermoons are expected to take place three more times this year: September 18, October 17, and November 15.
Reporter Song Eun-seok silverstone@donga.com
Photo studio next to Cheonggyecheon
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Unveiling the Super Blue Moon Phenomenon: August 2024
The celestial event known as the Super Blue Moon graced the skies between August 19 and 20, 2024, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for skywatchers around the globe. This combination of a supermoon and a blue moon has captured the imagination of many, as the moon illuminated the night with its unparalleled brightness and size. Below, we delve into what a super blue moon is, its occurrence, and tips for capturing its stunning visuals.
Understanding the Super Blue Moon
So, what exactly is a super blue moon? It is a rare astronomical event that occurs when a supermoon coincides with a blue moon. Here’s a brief breakdown of these two phenomena:
- Supermoon: A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it appear approximately 7% larger and 16% brighter than a typical full moon.
- Blue Moon: The term blue moon typically refers to the second full moon in a month, which is rare because each lunar cycle usually has only one full moon. Alternatively, a seasonal blue moon is the third full moon in a season that has four full moons.
A Glimpse at the August 2024 Super Blue Moon
A breathtaking view of the supermoon over the coast of Lloret de Mar, Spain.
The supermoon rises during an exciting baseball game at Oracle Park in San Francisco, USA.
View of the supermoon behind the iconic Temple of Poseidon in Athens, Greece.
The supermoon lights up the skyline of London, England over the beautiful Tower Bridge.
Over Kasseh, Copenhagen, Denmark, the supermoon casts a mystical glow.
The Science Behind the Supermoon
The moon orbits the Earth in an elliptical trajectory, meaning its distance from Earth varies significantly. When the moon aligns close to our planet, it becomes a supermoon. During this event, its appearance can be breathtaking, leading to spectacular photographic opportunities.
Here’s a brief overview of what you should know about the supermoon:
| Attribute | Supermoon vs. Regular Moon |
|---|---|
| Distance from Earth | Closer (Perigee) – 7% larger |
| Brightness | 16% brighter |
| Frequency | 3-4 times a year |
Capturing the Supermoon: Tips for Photography
With smartphones and cameras becoming ever more advanced, capturing the super moon is now easier than ever. Here are some practical tips for taking stunning photos during this celestial event:
- Use a Tripod: Stabilizing your camera will produce clearer images, especially in low-light conditions.
- Telephoto Lens: Equip your camera with a telephoto lens to capture details of the moon and create that impressive “larger-than-life” effect.
- Compose Your Shot: Incorporate interesting foreground elements such as buildings, trees, or other landmarks to create a compelling composition.
- Adjust Your Settings: Use manual mode to control exposure. A lower ISO and a larger aperture can help create stunning images.
- Experiment with Filters: Using polarizing or neutral density filters can enhance the moon’s features and colors.
Upcoming Celestial Events
If you missed the super blue moon, don’t worry! There are plenty of upcoming opportunities to experience stunning lunar events:
- September 18, 2024: Another supermoon will light up the sky.
- October 17, 2024: Enjoy yet another supermoon!
- November 15, 2024: Conclude the year with the final supermoon.
- Next Super Blue Moon: The next super blue moon won’t occur until August 21, 2032.
Common Myths About the Moon
As the super blue moon captures our collective imagination, various myths about the moon have emerged over time. Here are some commonly held beliefs:
- Full Moons Increase Birth Rates: Despite popular belief, studies show no correlation between full moons and increased birth rates.
- The Moon Controls Tide: While the moon influences the tides, it’s primarily due to its gravitational pull, not its phase.
- Blue Moon Means a Blue Moon: A blue moon does not refer to the moon’s appearance; it’s simply a rare phenomenon.
Conclusion
With fascinating occurrences like the super blue moon, our night skies continue to wonder and delight skywatchers. The breathtaking beauty of the moon, its significance in various cultural contexts, and its scientific attributes make it a perpetual subject of intrigue. As we prepare for more captivating celestial events, harnessing the right tools and techniques can help us capture and preserve these fleeting moments forever.
