Tuesday 1 August 2023

Two super moons to light up the sky in August

Two super moons to light up the sky in August

Stargazers are in for a treat in August, as the moon will appear larger and brighter than usual twice in the month. The first supermoon will occur on Tuesday, August 1, when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit. The second supermoon will occur on Wednesday, August 30, and will also be a blue moon, which means it is the second full moon in the same month.

Supermoons occur when the moon is at perigee, which is the point in its orbit when it is closest to Earth. This means that the moon appears about 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. The blue moon on August 30 will be even closer to Earth than the first supermoon, making it the closest full moon since January 2018.

The best time to see the supermoons will be shortly after moonrise, when the moon is still low in the sky. You can find moonrise times for your location by using a stargazing app or website.

In addition to being larger and brighter, supermoons can also have a slightly different color than usual. This is because the moon's surface is illuminated by sunlight that has traveled through a slightly thicker layer of Earth's atmosphere. This can cause the moon to appear slightly oranger or reddish.

Whether you're a casual stargazer or an avid astronomer, the two supermoons in August are sure to be a sight to behold. So get out there and enjoy the show!

Here are some additional facts about the two supermoons in August:

  • The first supermoon on August 1 is also known as the Sturgeon Moon. This name comes from the fact that sturgeon, a large fish, were once abundant in the Great Lakes during this time of year.
  • The second supermoon on August 30 is also known as a blue moon. This name is a bit of a misnomer, as the moon will not actually appear blue. However, it is the second full moon in the month, which is why it is called a blue moon.
  • The last time there were two supermoons in the same month was in 2018. It won't happen again until 2037.

So mark your calendars and get ready for a double dose of moon magic in August!


Two super moons will light up the sky in August 2023, giving stargazers a rare opportunity to see the moon appear larger and brighter than usual.


The first supermoon will occur on Tuesday, August 1, when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This will make the moon appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon. The moon will rise in the southeast sky around 8:30 p.m. local time and will set in the west around 4:30 a.m.


The second supermoon will occur on Wednesday, August 30, and will also be a blue moon. A blue moon is the second full moon in a month, which happens about once every three years. The August blue moon will be even closer to Earth than the first supermoon, making it appear about 16% larger and 30% brighter. The moon will rise in the southeast sky around 7:30 p.m. local time and will set in the west around 3:30 a.m.


Both of the August supermoons will be visible to the naked eye, but stargazers with telescopes will be able to get a closer look at the moon's craters and mountains.


In addition to being a beautiful sight, the August supermoons also have some cultural significance. The August 1 full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon, because it is the time of year when sturgeon are most abundant in the Great Lakes. The August 30 full moon is known as the Blue Moon, because it is the second full moon in a month.


Whether you are a stargazer or just enjoy looking at the moon, be sure to take some time to enjoy the two supermoons in August. It is a rare opportunity to see the moon in all its glory.


Here are some tips for viewing the August supermoons:


* Find a clear spot away from city lights.

* Bring a telescope or binoculars if you have them.

* Dress warmly, as it may be chilly at night.

* Be patient and enjoy the show!


Two super moons to light up the sky in August

Stargazers are in for a treat in August, as the month will feature two supermoons. The first supermoon, also known as the "Sturgeon Moon," will rise on Tuesday, August 1. The second supermoon, a "blue moon," will rise on Wednesday, August 30.

A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This makes the moon appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. The term "blue moon" refers to the second full moon in a month. A blue moon is not actually blue in color, but it is a rare occurrence.

The Sturgeon Moon is named after the sturgeon fish, which are abundant in the Great Lakes during this time of year. The blue moon is sometimes called the "harvest moon," as it occurs around the time of the autumn harvest.

Both of the supermoons in August will be visible to the naked eye. The best time to view them will be shortly after moonrise, when the moon is still low in the sky.

If you're looking for a place to view the supermoons, try going to a park or open space with a clear view of the horizon. You can also find online resources that can help you track the moon's progress and find the best viewing location in your area.

So mark your calendars and get ready for a double dose of lunar magic in August!

Here are some additional facts about the two supermoons in August:

  • The Sturgeon Moon will be at its closest point to Earth on August 2, at a distance of 222,159 miles (357,530 kilometers).
  • The blue moon will be at its closest point to Earth on August 30, at a distance of 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers).
  • The Sturgeon Moon will be 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon.
  • The blue moon will be 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon.
  • The last time two supermoons occurred in the same month was in 2018.
  • The next time two supermoons will occur in the same month will be in 2037.

I hope you enjoy viewing the two supermoons in August!

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