Stargazers, get ready for a celestial treat! In just a few days, the night sky will be graced by a rare supermoon blue moon, an extraordinary event that combines two captivating lunar phenomena. This August’s full moon, the brightest and largest of 2024, will also be blue, making it a doubly special occasion. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest approach to Earth, appearing about 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. Although light pollution can dim its brilliance, the sight is still awe-inspiring, with the moon seeming unusually big and bright against the night sky.
Adding to the spectacle is that this supermoon is also a blue moon, a term that might sound like the Moon will turn blue but refers to the rare occurrence of a third full moon in a season with four full moons. The upcoming August full moon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, will peak at 2:26 p.m. ET on August 19, 2024. Although it will be at its zenith during the daytime in the U.S., the Moon will still appear full and radiant for several days, from Sunday morning to early Wednesday morning. If you miss this event, don’t worry—there are three more supermoons scheduled for this year, giving you plenty of chances to witness this stunning natural display.
