Don’t miss Monday’s rare super blue moon

Those who love the night sky will hopefully witness a memorable celestial event next week, a rare super blue moon that, on average, only occurs every 10 years.

August 16, 2024
Corné van Zyl 2 minutes read
Image used for illustration purposes only. Photos: Stock/Canva.

A rare celestial treat awaits this month as a rare super blue moon is set to grace the night sky on Monday.

This extraordinary event, where the moon appears larger and brighter than usual, won’t occur again until at least 2037, making it a must-see for stargazers and casual observers alike.

According to Nasa, a blue moon happens once every two or three years on average, but a blue moon that’s also a supermoon is even more uncommon.

The time between super blue moons can be as long as 20 years – but, in general, 10 years is the average.

The next super blue moon pairing will be in January and March 2037.

The ‘super’ part refers to the moon’s orbit, which brings it slightly closer to Earth this month, upping its size and brightness.

How rare is it to see a supermoon?

Nasa explains that supermoons occur three to four times a year and always consecutively.

Full supermoons are the biggest and brightest full moons of the year, appearing approximately 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual.

Blue, in this case, means it’s the third of four full moons this season, which is unusual. As for ‘sturgeon’, that refers to the Native American name for August’s full moon.

August’s full moon, which can be seen on Monday, has several names, including super moon, seasonal blue moon, and sturgeon moon.

In South Africa, August’s full moon is named Peace Moon.

The name comes after the Centre for Astronomical Heritage (CfAH) identified 23 concepts (one for each first full moon in a calendar month plus one for a possible second full moon) representing essential cognates to ‘South Africa’.

“South Africans have been confused by these full moon names since wolves never roamed South African shores and it does not snow in February.

“Not only are these names irrelevant in the South African context, but an opportunity to celebrate what is iconic and proudly South African is lost with each setting full moon.”

The CfAH is a non-profit company working to protect South Africa’s astronomical heritage.

South Africa’s 2024 full moons:

 

Read original story on www.citizen.co.za

August 16, 2024
Corné van Zyl 2 minutes read
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