Sky-watchers across the UK are in for a treat this week as a rare blue supermoon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, graces the night sky.
This celestial event, which occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, will appear significantly larger and brighter than your average full moon, making it a must-see spectacle.
The blue supermoon will reach its full phase just before 7:30 pm on Monday, August 19, and will be visible across the UK as the sun sets and the sky darkens.
For those who miss this rare occurrence, it’s worth noting that the next super blue moon won’t appear until 2037, making this an event you won’t want to miss.
A supermoon is a visually striking phenomenon that happens when the moon is at its perigee, or closest point to Earth, during its orbit.
This proximity causes the moon to appear up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than a typical full moon.
The term “supermoon” has gained popularity in recent years, though it is not a scientific term, but rather a way to describe this impressive natural event that captures the imagination of stargazers around the world.
The moon’s increased size and brightness will make it an exceptional sight to behold, especially in areas with minimal light pollution.
To enjoy the full spectacle, it’s best to find a viewing spot away from city lights, where the sky is clear, and the stars are more visible.
While the supermoon itself is a breathtaking sight, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience, allowing you to see the lunar surface in greater detail.
Despite its name, the blue supermoon won’t actually appear blue.
The term “blue moon” traditionally refers to either the second full moon in a calendar month or the third full moon in a season that has four full moons.
This month’s supermoon falls into the latter category.
Occasionally, atmospheric conditions can give the moon a reddish tint, which is why the August full moon is sometimes called the Red Moon.
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich, it has also been referred to as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon, reflecting the various natural events that occur during this time of year.
Adding to the excitement, this supermoon follows a weekend of remarkable lunar displays in the UK.
Over the past few days, many across Wales and other parts of the British Isles witnessed a stunning red moon, its hue caused by smoke from wildfires in North America.
This smoke was carried across the Atlantic by the jet stream, contributing to the moon’s eerie and mesmerising red glow.
The Sturgeon Moon gets its name from Native American traditions, specifically the Algonquin tribes who named it after the sturgeon fish that were most easily caught during this time of year in the Great Lakes of North America.
This ancient naming tradition ties the moon’s appearance to natural cycles and activities that have been observed for centuries.
While the supermoon will be a breathtaking visual event, it also has a subtle impact on Earth.
The gravitational pull from a supermoon is slightly stronger than usual, leading to what are known as “perigean spring tides.”
These tides are higher than normal and can sometimes cause minor coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
