Rare Super Blue Moon to Light Up August Sky

This August is set to dazzle sky gazers with a rare celestial treat: a super blue moon! This special full moon will reach its peak on August 19 and will be visible for three consecutive days. Get ready for a sight to behold!

The term ‘supermoon’ is used when the moon comes closer to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This month features the first of four supermoons to occur in 2024, with the next ones set for September, October, and November.

Now, what’s a ‘blue moon’ you ask? There are two types: seasonal and monthly. This August full moon is a seasonal blue moon, which happens when there are four full moons in a single season. This moon is the third in that set, making it quite special.

On August 19, the full moon will hit its peak at 2:26 p.m. ET while it is located in the sign of Aquarius, which emphasizes community and humanitarian efforts. According to astrologers, this might lead to moments of miscommunication and unexpected surprises, so staying calm and listening closely is key!

Adding to the excitement, the full moon coincides with Raksha Bandhan this year, making it even more significant for many, especially in India. While it may sound odd, a super blue moon doesn’t actually appear blue. Sometimes, atmospheric conditions can cause the moon to take on a bluish hue, but that’s rare!

This super blue moon will shine brightly—up to 30% brighter than a regular full moon—while sitting about 225,288 miles away from Earth at its peak. Only 98% of its surface will be illuminated initially, gradually reaching full brightness over the following days.

The good news is you don’t need any fancy equipment to enjoy this event. Just step outside and look up; you can capture the beauty with your smartphone or digital camera!