The month of August is going to be a special lunar month as this month will be a supermoon as the moon is closest to the Earth. But along with this, there will also be a supermoon of August, a blue moon. When the moon is closest to Earth, it appears larger and brighter than usual and is called a supermoon. Super Blue Moon will be seen all over the world including Pakistan today. It should be noted that blue moon does not mean that the color of the moon will turn blue, but this name is a term. The reason for using the term blue moon is also quite interesting. A volcanic eruption in the 19th century caused a strange change in the color of the sky, causing the full moon to appear blue, known as the Blue Moon. There are 2 types of blue moon, one is seasonal blue moon and the other is monthly blue moon. A seasonal blue moon is the third of 4 full moons in a season, and a similar blue moon will appear on the horizon on August 19. The second visible fourteenth moon in an English month is called the Monthly Blue Moon. The moon that will rise in the sky on August 19 will be at a distance of 226,000 miles from Earth, which will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. This month’s seasonal Super Blue Moon is also special because the next such sighting will have to wait until 2037. However, the sighting of the seasonal blue moon will be quite soon. It should be noted that the supermoon will shine in the sky for 4 consecutive months in August, September, October and November 2024.
This August, the skies will offer a spectacular celestial show as the month features not just a supermoon, but also a rare “Super Blue Moon.” This phenomenon is set to be visible across the world, including in Pakistan.
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This month’s supermoon will be particularly special because it coincides with another rare event: the blue moon.
Understanding the Blue Moon
Despite its name, a blue moon doesn’t actually turn blue. The term “blue moon” refers to an infrequent event. Historically, the name originated from a volcanic eruption in the 19th century that caused the moon to appear blue due to changes in the atmosphere. However, in modern times, the term refers to two specific types of full moons:
- Seasonal Blue Moon: The third full moon in a season that has four full moons. This type of blue moon will appear on August 19th.
- Monthly Blue Moon: The second full moon in a single calendar month.
The August Super Blue Moon
The supermoon rising on August 19th will be about 226,000 miles from Earth, appearing 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. This event is particularly notable because such a Super Blue Moon will not occur again until 2037.
Continuous Supermoon Events in 2024
This August’s supermoon is just the beginning of a series of supermoons, with more expected in September, October, and November 2024. Each of these supermoons will offer another chance to witness the moon in its super-sized glory.
For skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts, this month’s Super Blue Moon is a must-see event, combining the awe of a supermoon with the rarity of a blue moon—a sight that won’t be repeated for more than a decade.