Stargazers are in for a treat on Monday: a rare super blue moon is expected to be visible as early as the afternoon.
Four supermoons will grace our skies this year, but this week’s supermoon will be the first. The full moon will be a little closer than usual, making it appear a little bigger and brighter in the night sky.
ARLINGTON, VA – AUGUST 19: The full Super Blue Moon is centered on the towers of the U.S. Air Force Memorial in the early morning of August 19, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. The full moon in August is also known as the Sturgeon Moon. (Photo by J. David A
“I like to think of the supermoon as a good excuse to look at the moon more regularly,” Noah Petro, project scientist for NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, told the Associated Press.
What is a Super Blue Moon?
A supermoon is a popular rather than scientific term. It occurs when a full phase of the moon coincides with a particularly close orbit around the Earth. This usually only happens three or four times a year, and in a row, because the moon’s oval orbit is constantly changing.
“Some people call it a ‘Blue Moon.’ You may wonder why? One definition of the Blue Moon is the third full moon in a season with four full moons. One reason some call this a
A supermoon is obviously not bigger, but it can look like it, although scientists say the difference can be barely noticeable. You can also see this full moon as a “nuisance moon,” which dates back to Native American history.
“The name Sturgeon Moon comes from the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain; this native freshwater fish was easily caught during this time of summer and was an important staple food for Native Americans living in the region. Lake sturgeon were once quite common in late summer, but they are now rarer.” – The Old Farmer’s Almanac
When can I see the Super Blue Moon in the Bay Area?
The full moon is expected to be visible starting around 11:30 a.m. PST, but it will be most clearly visible against the backdrop of the night sky on Monday evening.
DNC launches protests, students head back to school: News today | KTVU
Protesters are expected outside the DNC today. KTVU political reporter Greg Lee will report live from Chicago. School starts again across the Bay Area this week, and some are carrying backpacks full of school supplies thanks to the generosity of their community.
Scientists point out that only the most attentive observers can detect subtle differences in the size of the moon. It is easier to see the change in brightness – a supermoon can be 30% brighter than average.
The August supermoon is the first in a series of lunar spectaculars. The September supermoon coincides with a partial lunar eclipse. The October supermoon will be the closest moon of the year, and the November supermoon will round out the year.
