Although it is called a blue moon, this has nothing to do with the color.
Skywatchers are in for a treat on August 19, as they’ll see a supermoon, one of the biggest and brightest moons of 2024. A supermoon is so named because the moon appears particularly large in the sky as it is closest to Earth when it’s full. The combination of a supermoon and a blue moon, which only occurs a few times every few decades, will make for a highly unusual astronomical event tomorrow. Since the full moon that occurs in August is traditionally known as the “Sturgeon Moon,” this supermoon will also be known as the “Sturgeon Moon.”
What is Blue Moon?
Although it is called a blue moon, that has nothing to do with the color. According to Space.com, there are two types of blue moons – seasonal and monthly.
The third full moon in a season with four full moons is called a seasonal blue moon. This is the type of blue moon that is traditionally defined, and it rises on August 19. The second type of blue moon is just the second full moon in a single calendar month. This was the result of a misinterpretation of the first definition. Rather than being a mistake, this monthly “blue moon” concept is now recognized as an alternate meaning.
Gordon Johnston, retired NASA program manager, said: “Although it will not look blue, it will be a Blue Moon, as the third full moon in a season with four full moons. The first recorded use of the English term ‘Blue Moon’ dates back to 1528.”
“Speculation about the origin of the term includes an old English phrase meaning ‘traitor moon’ (because it led to errors in setting the dates for Lent and Easter). Or it is a comparison with rare events, such as when dust in the atmosphere actually makes the moon appear blue. Since the 1940s, the term ‘blue moon’ has also been used to refer to the second full moon in a month with two full moons,” he added.
How can you watch?
This supermoon will be visible on August 19 and will be full in the sky for three days. It is expected to be visible on Monday at 11:56 pm IST.
Choose a location with less air pollution and a good view of the horizon to get the best view of the supermoon, according to the BBC. According to experts, the supermoon will be visible in the southeast and east of the sky soon after it rises. For this reason, it is important that you choose an open area without city lights.
Even though a supermoon is visible to the naked eye, a telescope or binoculars can improve the view by highlighting more features on the moon’s surface. To make sure there are no clouds obstructing your view, check the local weather report.
Experts advise giving your eyes time to get used to the darkness. Vision improves gradually. Color vision occurs in 10 minutes, while improving black and white vision takes an hour or more. It is recommended to maintain night vision by minimizing exposure to strong light.
Next supermoon
There will be three more supermoons in 2024. The Hunter’s Moon on October 17th will be the next full moon of the year. The Harvest Moon on September 17th will be another full moon. In addition to being one of the most prominent full moons of the year, the Harvest Moon of 2024 will be partially obscured by Earth during the night as part of it will pass into Earth’s shadow. The final supermoon of the year will occur on November 15th.
