Explore the Full Sturgeon Moon 2024 and discover how to see the August Supermoon, the first in a series of four consecutive supermoons this year. Learn about the significance of the Sturgeon Moon, the best tips for photographing the supermoon, and key details about astronomical events in 2024.
Get ready for the Full Sturgeon Moon in August 2024, a stunning supermoon event marking the start of four consecutive supermoons. Learn how to view and photograph this rare astronomical phenomenon.
Full Sturgeon Moon 2024: When to See the Upcoming August Supermoon
In August 2024, the night sky will be graced by a rare and spectacular celestial event: the Full Sturgeon Moon, the first in a series of four consecutive supermoons. This astronomical phenomenon is expected to captivate stargazers around the world, offering a unique opportunity to witness the moon in all its brilliance.
The August Supermoon: A Spectacle in the Sky
On August 19, 2024, the Full Sturgeon Moon will shine more brightly and appear larger than usual, thanks to its proximity to Earth. This is the first of four consecutive supermoons, with the others occurring in September, October, and November. The Full Sturgeon Moon, named after the sturgeon fish that were historically most abundant during this time, is a rare sight that will not be repeated for several years.
How to See the August Supermoon
The moon will reach its fullest point at 2:26 p.m. ET on August 19. However, at that time, the moon will be on the opposite side of the Earth from the United States, making it impossible to view. Instead, viewers in the U.S. will need to wait until moonrise to witness the supermoon in all its glory.
On the East Coast, the supermoon is expected to rise at approximately 8 p.m. local time, in the east-southeastern sky. It will rise to about one-third of the way through the sky before setting around 7 a.m. the following morning in the west-southwest. The supermoon is most impressive at moonrise or moonset when it is near the horizon due to an optical illusion that makes it appear larger than it actually is.
Astronomer Gianluca Masi from the Virtual Telescope Project explains this phenomenon: “During twilight, the residual solar light scattered by our atmosphere allows us to admire the scenery, while the full moon rises or sets. Furthermore, at its rise and set, the moon appears behind monuments and elements of the landscape, generating the feeling that its disk is larger than usual. But this is just an optical illusion resulting from the presence of those terrestrial elements in the line of sight that our brain uses for comparison.”
The supermoon should be easily visible throughout the night across the United States, provided the weather is clear. To get the best view, find a location with an unobstructed view of the horizon, such as a beach, hill, or open field. Avoid areas with trees, buildings, or other obstacles that could block your view. For the best experience, try to find a location away from city lights. The darker the sky, the more brilliant the moon will appear.
While you don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the supermoon, binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience by allowing you to see more details on the moon’s surface, such as craters and other features.
What Is a Supermoon?
The term “supermoon” is not a scientific term, but rather a popular term coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979. It refers to full moons that coincide with the moon’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. The moon does not orbit the Earth in a perfect circle; instead, it follows a slightly oval or elliptical path. When the moon is at its closest point to Earth during this orbit, it is referred to as perigee.
Nolle defined a supermoon as a full moon that occurs within 90 percent of its closest approach to Earth. During a supermoon, the moon appears up to 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than when it is at its farthest point, known as apogee. To put this in perspective, the difference in size is roughly the same as the difference between a nickel and a quarter. Compared to an average full moon, a supermoon is about 8 percent larger and 15 percent brighter.
On average, the moon is about 226,000 miles away from Earth during perigee, compared to about 253,000 miles during apogee. Because the moon’s orbit and its phases often align, supermoons can occur multiple times a year. However, some supermoons are more “super” than others, depending on how closely the full moon aligns with perigee. Additionally, the distance of perigee can vary slightly depending on the shape of the moon’s orbit at the time.
One of the most notable supermoons occurred in November 2016, when the moon was closer to Earth than it had been since 1948. The closest full supermoon of the 21st century is expected to occur in 2052.
The Sturgeon Moon: A Name Rooted in Tradition
The August full moon is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, a name that originates from Native American tribes who named each full moon to reflect important activities or natural events during that particular time of year. The Sturgeon Moon was named after the sturgeon fish, which were historically most plentiful and easiest to catch in the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water in North America during this time.
Each month’s full moon has a unique name that reflects the seasonal activities or events of that period. For example, the January full moon is called the Wolf Moon, named after the wolves that were often heard howling during the winter months. The March full moon is known as the Worm Moon, as it coincides with the time of year when earthworms begin to emerge from the soil as the ground thaws. The September full moon, which is also a supermoon this year, is called the Harvest Moon, as it is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox and traditionally marked the time for harvesting crops.
The Significance of Supermoons in 2024
The year 2024 is particularly significant for supermoon enthusiasts because it features an unusual astronomical event: four consecutive supermoons. This series begins with the Full Sturgeon Moon in August and continues with supermoons in September, October, and November. This rare quadruple feature offers a unique opportunity for stargazers to witness the moon in its most spectacular form over several months.
Supermoons have long fascinated both amateur and professional astronomers alike. The enhanced brightness and size of the moon during a supermoon make it a particularly striking sight, and many people find it to be an awe-inspiring experience. For those interested in photography, supermoons also provide an excellent opportunity to capture stunning images of the moon in relation to the landscape.
How to Photograph a Supermoon
Photographing a supermoon can be a rewarding experience, but it requires some planning and the right equipment. Here are some tips to help you capture the best images of the supermoon:
- Choose the Right Location: As mentioned earlier, find a location with a clear view of the horizon, free from obstacles such as trees and buildings. A location away from city lights is ideal, as it will allow you to capture the moon in a dark sky, enhancing its brightness and detail.
- Use a Telephoto Lens: To capture the details of the moon’s surface, such as craters and ridges, use a telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 200mm. The longer the focal length, the more detail you’ll be able to capture.
- Use a Tripod: To avoid camera shake and ensure sharp images, use a tripod to stabilize your camera. This is especially important when using a telephoto lens, as even the slightest movement can result in a blurry image.
- Adjust Your Camera Settings: Set your camera to manual mode and adjust the ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to achieve the desired exposure. A low ISO (around 100-400) is recommended to reduce noise, while an aperture of f/8 to f/11 will provide a good depth of field. Use a fast shutter speed (around 1/125 to 1/250) to avoid overexposure, as the moon is much brighter than the surrounding sky.
- Consider Including the Landscape: To create a more dynamic and interesting image, consider including elements of the landscape in your shot. For example, you could frame the moon with a mountain range, a body of water, or a city skyline. This will also help convey the scale of the supermoon and enhance the overall composition.
- Experiment with Different Compositions: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different compositions and perspectives. Try capturing the moon as it rises or sets, or use a wide-angle lens to include more of the landscape. You can also experiment with long exposures to create a sense of motion in the sky.
Conclusion
The Full Sturgeon Moon on August 19, 2024, marks the beginning of a rare and exciting series of supermoons that will continue through November. This celestial event offers a unique opportunity to witness the moon in its most brilliant and awe-inspiring form. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer, a budding photographer, or simply a lover of the night sky, the Full Sturgeon Moon and the subsequent supermoons are not to be missed. So, mark your calendars, find a great viewing spot, and prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty of the supermoon.
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