2 Supermoons In August: Save The Dates For This Rare Blue Moon In A Single Month

In the month of August, stargazers will have a rare opportunity to witness two supermoons, a phenomenon known as the blue moon. A supermoon occurs when a full moon is closer to Earth than its usual distance, making it appear up to 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter compared to when it is farthest away. This occurrence is due to the moon's slightly elliptical orbit around the Earth, bringing it closer or farther away at different times.

The first supermoon will take place on August 1 (Tuesday) when the moon will be approximately 357,530 km away from Earth. This will be the second supermoon of the year, with the first one having occurred on July 2. Another similar event will happen on August 30 when the moon will be about 357,244 km away from Earth.

These distances contrast with the moon's furthest point from Earth, which is about 405,696 km.

Retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak mentioned that the warm summer nights in August are ideal for observing the full moon rise in the eastern sky shortly after sunset, and this will happen twice during the month due to the supermoons.

The Royal Museums Greenwich recommends using binoculars or a small telescope to observe the detailed surface of the full moon, especially when the sky is clear of clouds.

The last time two full supermoons appeared in the same month was in 2018, and this rare occurrence won't happen again until 2037, as stated by Italian astronomer Gianluca Masi.

Where to Watch August 2023 Supermoon In India

For stargazers in India, the visibility of the sturgeon moon (supermoon) will depend on weather conditions around midnight IST on August 1. However, the blue moon may not be visible, as it will reach peak brightness at 07:05 AM IST on August 31.

To get the best view of a supermoon, using binoculars or backyard telescopes is recommended. Additionally, seeking out areas with clear skies will enhance the experience of observing the supermoon.