Look up in the evening sky this month and the full moon may appear larger than usual. That’s because August’s full moon will also be 2024’s first full supermoon.
Here’s what to know about the sturgeon moon, peaking mid-afternoon on Aug. 19.
Moon cycle
Set to be a blue moon and this year’s first supermoon, the sturgeon moon will appear bigger and brighter in the evening sky Monday, Aug. 19. This follows July’s full moon, the buck moon. The moon is currently in its waxing crescent phase at 3% illumination.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full or new moon falls during the closest point in the moon’s orbit to Earth, according to NASA. The full moon can appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter at its closest point in the orbit.
What is a blue moon?
When there are four full moons in a season, the third is considered a blue moon, according to Space.com. August’s sturgeon moon will be the third of four full moons this summer. Known as a seasonal blue moon, this doesn’t mean the moon appears blue in color. Blue moons typically occur every two to three years.
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How did the sturgeon moon get its name?
The name sturgeon moon comes from the giant lake sturgeon, a fish historically caught in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during this part of summer, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. Alternate names for the August full moon include flying up moon to the Cree, harvest moon to the Dakota, ricing moon to the Anishinaabe, the mountain shadows moon to the Tlingit, and the black cherries moon to the Assiniboine.
Peak viewing
Look southeast after sunset on Monday, Aug. 19 to catch a glimpse of the sturgeon moon. Clear skies will ensure optimal viewing, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
The full moon will peak in mid-afternoon at 2:26 p.m. but will appear full between Aug. 18-20, rising above the horizon the evening of Aug. 19.
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