On August 19, 2024, astronomy lovers will experience a rare and spectacular celestial phenomenon the rising of the “Sturgeon Moon”. This event is unique in that it combines a supermoon and a blue moon, kicking off a series of four supermoons this year.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to the Earth. At such moments, our planet's satellite appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than usual. The term “supermoon” was introduced by American astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979 and has since become firmly established in the scientific and media lexicon.
The name "Sturgeon Moon" has Native American roots. The Algonquin tribes of the northeastern United States named the August full moon after the large fish that were easiest to catch in the Great Lakes at that time of year.
There are other names for this phenomenon such as Red Moon, Corn Moon, Barley Moon and others.
Despite the name "Blue Moon", the color of the Earth's satellite will not change. However, atmospheric agents such as smoke or dust can create the illusion of a bluish tint.
The combination of a supermoon and a seasonal blue moon is a rare astronomical event. The next such phenomenon is expected only in January and March 2037.