- Two supermoons to grace August skies: Witness the moon appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter.
- First supermoon peaks on August 2: Watch the stunning spectacle for nearly three days.
- Rare blue moon on August 31: A second full moon in the same month, a once-in-a-blue-moon event
Skygazers and space enthusiasts are in for a celestial treat this August as not one but two supermoons are set to light up the night sky. A supermoon is a breathtaking phenomenon that occurs when a full moon coincides with its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance. This rare event is expected to captivate observers around the world.
The Supermoon phenomenon explained
A full moon occurs when the near side of the moon is fully illuminated by the sun in the night sky, which typically happens once a month. However, not all full moons are equal. Supermoons, also known as perigean full moons, happen when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth (perigee) while being in the full phase. This unique alignment causes the moon to appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a full moon at its farthest distance from our planet.
The moon’s elliptical orbit is responsible for the variation in its distance from Earth, resulting in supermoons occurring several times a year. While some argue that the term “supermoon” is somewhat overused, it is commonly used to describe full moons that come within at least 90 percent of their perigee.
Impact on Earth’s tides: Supermoons can cause higher tides in coastal areas
Impact of supermoons on Earth
Beyond their captivating beauty, supermoons have a notable impact on Earth’s oceans. The moon’s physical closeness during this event can cause higher tides, known as perigean spring tides. These tides occur when the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun align, leading to stronger tidal forces. While this effect may not be directly perceptible to most people, it can have implications for coastal areas and marine life.
How to observe the supermoon
Witnessing the supermoon is an awe-inspiring experience, and there are various ways to enjoy this celestial show. The best time to observe the supermoon is during moonrise or moonset, when it appears larger and more striking against the horizon. Warm summer nights provide an ideal opportunity to watch the full moon rise in the eastern sky within minutes of sunset, creating an impressive sight as it towers over the landscape.
Observing the supermoon with the naked eye is a remarkable experience, but using binoculars or a telescope can further enhance the view. Through these instruments, observers may be able to discern lunar features such as lunar maria, which are dark plains formed by ancient volcanic lava flows, and rays emanating from lunar craters.
When to watch the supermoon
As August unfolds, celestial enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing the dazzling display of two supermoons, a rare and captivating event. These grand lunar spectacles, occurring at the moon’s closest approach to Earth, will offer a magnificent sight for skywatchers around the globe.
The first supermoon of August will peak on August 2 (Wednesday) from 12:02 a.m. IST onwards. It will be visible for almost three days, beginning Monday and extending until early Thursday.
The second supermoon, a rare blue moon, will appear on August 31 at 7:06 a.m. IST. Being the second full moon in the same calendar month, it holds a special distinction and won’t occur again until January 2037.
