This Supermoon will be visible on August 19 and will appear full in the sky for three days. It is anticipated to be seen at 11:56 PM IST on Monday. On August 19, skywatchers are in for a spectacular sight as they will witness one of the largest and brightest moons of 2024—a supermoon.
A supermoon appears significantly larger in the sky because it is at its closest point to Earth during its full phase. This event is even more special as it combines a Supermoon with a Blue Moon, a rare astronomical occurrence that happens only a few times every few decades. The full moon in August is traditionally known as the "Sturgeon Moon," so this Supermoon Blue Moon is also referred to as a "Sturgeon Moon.
" What Is Blue Moon? Despite its name, a Blue Moon has nothing to do with the moon's color. According to Space.com, there are two types of Blue Moons: seasonal and monthly.
A seasonal Blue Moon occurs when a season has four full moons, and the third one is labeled as such. This traditional definition will be exemplified on August 19. The second type, a monthly Blue Moon, refers to the second full moon within a single calendar month.
This definition emerged from a misinterpretation of the original concept but is now widely accepted as an alternative meaning. Retired NASA Program Executive Gordon Johnston said, "Although it will not look blue, as the third full Moon in a season with four full Moons, this will be a Blue Moon. The first recorded use of 'Blue Moon' in English dates from 1528.