A Pair of Supermoons in August Presents Double the Astronomical Excitement

The universe has planned an exciting two-part event in August: two supermoons, culminating in an uncommon blue moon.

The first spectacle will occur on Tuesday night as the full moon ascends in the southeast, looking slightly more brilliant and larger than its typical size. The reason for this is that it will be nearer than normal, just 222,159 miles (357,530 kilometers) distant, hence the term supermoon.

The moon will inch even closer on the night of August 30 — merely 222,043 miles (357,344 kilometers) away. Since it is the second full moon within the same month, it will take on the unique status of a blue moon.

Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist known as Mr. Eclipse for his proficiency in eclipse tracking, said, “Warm summer nights provide the perfect opportunity to observe the full moon ascend in the eastern sky just after sunset. And we get to experience this twice in August.”

The last occurrence of two full supermoons within the same month was in 2018. This spectacle won’t repeat until 2037, as per Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi, the founder of the Virtual Telescope Project.

Masi plans to offer a live stream of Tuesday night’s supermoon, as it ascends above the Coliseum in Rome.

“I intend to capture the grandeur of this event, hopefully translating the emotion of the spectacle for our audience,” Masi expressed in an email.

He also added, “The supermoon presents us with an amazing opportunity to gaze upwards and explore the heavens.”

The first supermoon of the year occurred in July. The fourth and final one will be in September. Both supermoons in August will be closer than the ones in July or September.

Espenak suggested that, assuming clear skies, the use of binoculars or personal telescopes can amplify the viewing experience, exposing features such as the lunar maria — dark plains formed by ancient volcanic lava flows — and rays coming from lunar craters.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the August full moon is traditionally labeled as the sturgeon moon, derived from the profusion of this fish in the Great Lakes during August, centuries ago.

The Health and Science Department of The Big Big News is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP holds sole responsibility for all content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about August Supermoons

More about August Supermoons

• NASA’s guide to observing the moon
• The Virtual Telescope Project’s live streams
• Old Farmer’s Almanac on full moon names
• Explanation of supermoons
• Understanding a blue moon