On August 19th, 2024, the sky will be graced with a particularly special full moon – the Sturgeon Moon. This celestial event holds the distinction of being not only a supermoon but also a blue moon, a combination that makes it a rare and captivating sight.
While the August full moon is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, named after the fish abundant in the Great Lakes during this time, the term “blue moon” might require some explanation. There are two types of blue moons:
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Monthly blue moon:
The second full moon within a single calendar month.*
Seasonal blue moon:
The third of four full moons within a particular astronomical season.In this instance, the Sturgeon Moon qualifies as a seasonal blue moon. The summer solstice occurred on June 20th, followed by full moons on June 22nd and July 21st. The Sturgeon Moon, on August 19th, and the subsequent Harvest Moon, on September 18th, fall before the autumnal equinox on September 22nd. This sequence makes the Sturgeon Moon the third full moon of the summer season, fulfilling the criteria for a seasonal blue moon. Such blue moons, regardless of type, occur once every two to three years.
Adding to the spectacle, the Sturgeon Moon also graces us with the title of “supermoon.” This occurs due to the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth, causing the moon to reach its closest point to our planet, known as perigee. When perigee coincides with a full moon, we experience a supermoon, making the moon appear larger and brighter than usual.
2024 boasts a total of four supermoons, with the Sturgeon Moon being the first. The year’s closest full moon will be the Hunter’s Moon on October 17th. Following the Sturgeon Moon, we’ll witness the Harvest Moon on September 17th, which will also feature a partial lunar eclipse, as a portion of the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow.
So, mark your calendars for August 19th and prepare to marvel at the rare spectacle of a supermoon blue moon – the Sturgeon Moon. Even without the aid of binoculars or telescopes, the bright and full moon will be visible in all its glory as it rises above the eastern horizon. But, if you happen to have some stargazing equipment, it might reveal intricate details on the lunar surface that remain hidden to the naked eye.
Enjoy the show, and take a moment to appreciate the wonders of the cosmos!
