On Monday, 19 August, Ukrainians will have the opportunity to see a unique astronomical phenomenon – the Blue Supermoon. Tonight, a rare combination of three astrological phenomena will take place: the August full moon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, coincides with the day when the moon reaches its closest point to the Earth, as well as with the third full moon of this summer, which gives it the status of the first Blue Supermoon of 2024.
So on the night of 19-20 August, everyone can enjoy the biggest and brightest moon of this year. Such astronomical phenomena occur only once every few years, making this day special for both astronomy enthusiasts and anyone who wants to enjoy this spectacular event. Read this article to find out how and when you can observe the “blue supermoon”, where the name comes from, and what you can and cannot do during the August full moon.
Why is this full moon called the Sturgeon and Blue Moon?
The August full moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because it is the time of year when sturgeon fish are found in the Great Lakes. In addition, this month’s full moon is also a supermoon. This phenomenon occurs because the lunar orbit of the Moon around the Earth is not a perfect circle. Each month, the Moon reaches its closest point to the Earth, known as perigee. When the perigee coincides with a full moon, a supermoon occurs.
This year, however, it is also a blue moon due to a rather rare astronomical phenomenon. There are two types of blue moons: a lunar blue moon, when two full moons occur in the same calendar month, and a seasonal blue moon, which is the third of four full moons in the same astronomical season. This August’s blue moon is a seasonal blue moon because it is the third full moon of four full moons in this season. Blue moons are rare, occurring about once every two to three years. The last time this astrological phenomenon was recorded was in October 2020, and the next blue moon is expected in May 2027.
The August full moon is also known as the Red Moon, Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Grass Moon, Grain Moon, etc.
How and when is the best time to watch the Blue Moon?
This full moon will be the largest and brightest of the year. It will be visible in the sky on the night of 19-20 August at 21:26 Kyiv time. The blue supermoon is best seen when it rises above the eastern horizon. It can be observed both with the naked eye and with telescopes or binoculars to see the surface of the Moon in detail.
The average distance between the Earth and the Moon is 384,400 km, but due to the elliptical shape of the satellite’s orbit, this distance varies throughout the year. The closer the Moon comes to the Earth, the bigger and brighter it looks. During a supermoon, its size increases by 7% and its brightness by 16% compared to a normal full moon.
What can and cannot be done during the full moon on 19 August?
In August 2024, the Full Moon will be in the constellation Aquarius, which astrologers predict will bring about a powerful energy of change. This is a time when many people may feel an inner impulse to make important decisions and personal transformations. This is especially true for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius, for whom this period may be a test of endurance and the ability to rethink life circumstances.
What to do during the August full moon:
- Make peace with people with whom you are at odds;
- Complete previously started tasks and projects, as the energy of the full moon promotes productivity and completion of long-delayed tasks.
- Meet, communicate with friends and share your plans and ideas with them;
- Spend time on creativity and self-development.
What not to do during the full moon in August:
- Make important decisions. It’s better to postpone them for a few days when the emotional tension subsides;
- Get into conflicts. You should stay away from disputes and provocations as much as possible;
- Overload yourself with work or take on additional responsibilities, as this can lead to exhaustion;
- Enter into important financial transactions, make investments or borrow money;
- Plan medical procedures, as chronic illnesses are exacerbated and blood clotting is impaired;
- Work in the garden and vegetable garden;
- You should also avoid long journeys.
Astrologers emphasise that the Full Moon in Aquarius provides a unique opportunity to look at life from a new perspective, rethink your attitude to the events around you and take into account details that may have been overlooked.
Author – Olga Yushko