What Makes August 19th’s Full Moon So Special?

On August 19, 2024, the night sky will showcase a rare celestial event: a Super Blue Moon. This full moon is not only a supermoon but also a blue moon, creating a trifecta of lunar phenomena that has piqued the interest of skywatchers worldwide.

What Exactly is a Supermoon, and How Does It Differ from a Regular Full Moon?

A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the point in its orbit closest to Earth, known as perigee. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter than usual—up to 14% bigger than when it’s at its farthest point, or apogee. However, the size difference might be subtle, much like comparing a quarter to a nickel.

Why is This Moon Called a Blue Moon? Will It Actually Look Blue?

The term "blue moon" can be misleading. It doesn’t refer to the moon’s color but rather to its timing. A blue moon can be either the second full moon in a single month (monthly blue moon) or the third full moon in a season that has four full moons instead of the usual three (seasonal blue moon). The August 19th moon is a seasonal blue moon. Despite the name, the moon will not appear blue unless specific atmospheric conditions scatter light in a way that causes a blue hue, which is extremely rare.

Is the Moon Ever Really Blue?

Though uncommon, the moon can indeed appear blue under certain conditions. Tiny particles in the atmosphere, typically from volcanic ash or large wildfires, can scatter red wavelengths of light, making the moon appear blue. This phenomenon, however, is unrelated to the term "blue moon" as used in astronomy.

Will This Super Blue Moon Be Noticeably Larger or Brighter?

While the moon will be slightly larger and brighter due to its proximity to Earth, the difference is often subtle. Most people may not notice the increased size without a direct comparison. Nonetheless, the supermoon will shine more vividly, making it a beautiful sight to behold.

Do Supermoons and Blue Moons Frequently Coincide?

About 25 percent of all full moons are supermoons, but only 6 percent of full moons are blue moons (seasonal and monthly). The time between super blue moons is quite irregular ― it can be as much as 20 years ― but in general, 10 years is the average. However, if you like to celebrate both seasonal and monthly blue moons, the gap is closer to five years.

A monthly blue moon in January is usually followed by another one in March of the same year. The next monthly super blue moons will occur as a pair, in January and March 2037. Seasonal blue moons always occur almost exactly one month before an equinox or a solstice. The next seasonal blue moon will be on August 21, 2032.

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