Discover everything you need to know about August’s full blue moon, the first supermoon of 2024.
When is the full blue moon?
What is a blue moon?
A blue moon is a term used to describe either the third of four full moons in an astronomical season (seasonal blue moon) or the second full moon in a calendar month (calendrical blue moon).
The upcoming blue moon on Aug. 19, 2024, is a seasonal blue moon, as it is the third full moon in the season between the June solstice and the September equinox. The next blue moon after this will be a calendrical blue moon on May 31, 2026.
What is a supermoon?
A supermoon occurs when a full or new moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This proximity enhances its visual impact, with supermoons appearing up to 7% bigger and 16% brighter than regular full moons.
The full blue moon on Aug. 19, 2024, will also be the first supermoon of the year, followed by another supermoon on Sept. 18, 2024.
Cultural significance and alternative names
The August full moon is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, named by Native American tribes around the Great Lakes who found this time ideal for fishing sturgeon.
Other Native American names for this moon include the Corn Moon, Ricing Moon, and Black Cherries Moon. The Anglo-Saxons called it the Grain Moon, while the Cree referred to it as the Flying Up Moon, marking the time when young birds learn to fly.
In various cultures, this moon is also known as the Red Moon due to the reddish hue it takes on in the late summer haze. Additionally, it’s called the Harvest Moon in Chinese tradition, the Dispute Moon in Celtic culture, and the Herbal Moon in Wiccan tradition.
Mark your calendars
The August full moon is not just an astronomical event but a cultural phenomenon rich with historical significance and varied interpretations across different societies. This year, its combination with the blue moon and supermoon phenomena makes it an even more special event for skywatchers and cultural enthusiasts alike. You won’t want to miss it!
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Copper Courier staff.
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