Experience the rare seasonal rising of the blue moon
The full moon in August will not only be known as the Sturgeon Moon, but will also rise as a rare seasonal blue moon.
The full moon in August 2024 will be particularly notable. It will be a blue moon – even if it will not be the second full moon in a calendar month.
Instead, August’s full moon will be a seasonal blue moon, which occurs when there are four full moons in a single astronomical season, instead of the usual three. In this case, the third full moon of the four is called a blue moon.
The full moon in August is also known as the Sturgeon Moon, a name that comes from Native American traditions.
Here’s what you need to know about the rare blue moon in 2024.
What is a blue moon?
According to Time and Date, the term “blue moon” does not refer to the color of the moon, but rather to its rarity. Blue moons occur about once every two to three years.
There are two types of blue moons: monthly and seasonal.
A monthly blue moon occurs when there are two full moons in one calendar month.
A seasonal blue moon occurs when there are four full moons in an astronomical season, instead of the usual three. In this case, the third full moon of the four is called a seasonal blue moon.
How common are blue moons?
According to Space.com, blue moons are relatively rare. The frequency depends on the type of blue moon. A monthly blue moon, which is the second full moon in a calendar month, occurs about every 2.7 years. A seasonal blue moon, which is the third full moon in a season with four full moons, occurs about every 2.5 years.
A seasonal blue moon is a rare event. The last seasonal blue moon was in August 2021, and the next one won’t occur until May 2027.
What day is the rare blue moon in 2024?
There will be a seasonal blue moon on August 19, 2024. The next monthly blue moon will be on May 31, 2026.
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