August is an exciting month for moon enthusiasts, as two supermoons are set to grace the night skies. The first, known as the Full Sturgeon Moon, will rise on August 1, followed by the Full Blue Moon on August 30. These supermoons mark the continuation of a series of lunar events that commenced in July.
Supermoons occur when the moon is in the full moon phase and at its closest proximity to Earth. During these occurrences, the Sturgeon Moon will be a mere 222,158 miles away, while the Blue Moon will be approximately 222,043 miles distant. This closeness leads to a heightened visual spectacle, with the moon appearing up to 30% brighter and the lunar disk expanding by roughly 14% in size.
As the “summer of supermoons” draws to a close, the final event will be the Full Corn Moon on September 28. Unfortunately, next year will not offer a similar extravaganza of supermoons, making this year’s celestial displays particularly noteworthy.
To aid in the observation of these stunning phenomena, guides on the best telescopes and binoculars for viewing the supermoons are readily available. Additionally, those interested in capturing the moon’s glory through photography can find helpful resources on how to photograph the moon, including recommendations for the top cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Whether you’re an avid stargazer or simply fascinated by the wonders of the cosmos, don’t miss the opportunity to witness these extraordinary supermoons. Grab your telescope or camera, and prepare to be captivated by the beauty of the moon in all its enhanced splendor.
