When to see a “blue supermoon” rise (and why it won’t be blue)

The eighth full moon of 2024 – the “Sturgeon Moon” – will grace the early evening sky next week as it rises in the east as the sun sets in the west.

It is called the “Sturgeon Moon”, but also the “Lynx Moon” and the “Lightning Moon”. This month it is also called the “Blue Moon” and the “Super Moon”.

Here’s everything you need to know about it, including when, where and how to best experience it from your location:

When is the ‘sturgeon Moon?’

The Sturgeon Moon will be full on Monday, August 19, at 18:25 UTC/14:25 EDT. From North America, it will be best viewed at moonrise later that day.

Why this ‘sturgeon Moon is a blue moon and a supermoon

The “disturbing moon” will be what astronomers call a seasonal blue moon. This is because it will be the third of four full moons in an astronomical season, which is rare. This is a simple calendar quirk and there is no visual effect, so no, it will not be blueThe other, more modern definition of a “blue moon” is when two full moons occur in the same calendar month.

It will also be the first of four “supermoon” full moons in 2024. A supermoon – also known as perigee Full Moon – is slightly larger and brighter than the average full moon. This is because the Moon’s orbit around the Earth is a slight ellipse, so there is always a point close by (perigee) and a distant point (Climax) every month.

Astronomer Fred Espenak defines a supermoon as perigee Full moon that occurs “within 90% of its closest approach to Earth in a given orbit.” Although it is the first of four technical “supermoons” in 2024, it is not the largest. It will be 361,969 kilometers (224,000 miles) from Earth.

Best time to watch the full moviesturgeon Moon’

A full moon looks best when it appears on the eastern horizon, just after the sun has set in the west. It will appear more prominent than usual and will be a beautiful, muted orange. The best time to see it in your location is a few minutes after moonrise, but this will depend on your location.

Sunday, August 18

• In London, moonrise is at 20:14 (BST) and sunset is at 20:18 (BST).

Monday, August 19

• In New York, sunset is at 7:49 p.m. EDT and moonrise is at 8:08 p.m. EDT.
• In Los Angeles, sunset is at 7:36 p.m. PDT and moonrise is at 7:58 p.m. PDT.
• In London, sunset is at 20:16 BST and moonrise is at 20:34 BST.

Here’s how to see it allsturgeon Moon’

Whether you’re just starting out in skywatching or have been doing it for decades, the rise of the full moon is always a monthly highlight. Many people want to see it when it’s full and look for it high in the sky, but then it’s too bright to look at. It’s much better to watch it at the moment of moonrise, when it appears in brilliant orange on the eastern horizon. Only then will you see it at its seemingly largest and most dramatic, emerging from a landscape around dusk and setting around dawn.

Go to a high place facing east, or visit an east coast location. Both locations will give you a clear view of the horizon – and, if the sky is clear, the best view of the “Blue Moon.” It’s perfect with the naked eye, but binoculars will give you a stunning close-up.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be the full Super Harvest Moon Eclipse on Wednesday, September 18—the ninth of twelve full moons in 2024. Not only is it a supermoon, but in space it will also partially pass through Earth’s outer shadow.

The times and dates given are for mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, please visit online planetariums such as SkySafari Pro, Stellarium And Heaven Live. Check Planet rising/planet setting, Sunrise/SunsetAnd Moonrise/Moonset times to see where you are.

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Pick up my books Stargazing in 2024, A stargazing program for beginners And When is the next solar eclipse?

I wish you clear skies and big eyes.