Skygazers are in for a treat tonight as they witness the rare and awe-inspiring Sturgeon ‘supermoon’, the first of two lunar spectacles happening in August. This phenomenon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth during its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than a normal full moon. If you want to capture the best photos of this magnificent event, head to areas with low light pollution such as Snowdonia National Park, Exmoor National Park, or South Downs National Park.
The Sturgeon moon refers to the full moon in August, but when it coincides with its closest point to Earth, it becomes a ‘supermoon’. Tonight’s event is known as the ‘Sturgeon supermoon’. Although it will officially become a full moon on Tuesday night, it will reach its maximum brightness at 19:31 BST. To fully appreciate this phenomenon, it is recommended to find a high vantage point with a clear sky and minimal light pollution. Turning off indoor lights can also improve visibility. Being at higher altitudes, like Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath, can provide a clearer view of the supermoon, even in urban areas like London.
While photographers have already captured stunning images of the moon, it will reach 100% illumination at 19:31 BST on Tuesday, making it an official full moon and a ‘supermoon’. In the UK, the supermoon will be visible from 21:22 (rising in the southeast) until 04:07 the next morning (setting in the southwest).
Skygazers will be captivated by the supermoon, as it dominates a significant portion of the sky. However, the best photographic opportunities are often found in areas without cloud cover. Unfortunately, the Met Office predicts cloudy skies and rain moving from west to east across the UK overnight, diminishing visibility.
A supermoon occurs when the moon’s closest approach to Earth coincides with the full moon phase. The moon’s elliptical orbit brings it closer to Earth at its perigee, resulting in a larger and brighter appearance. Supermoons can be up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than normal full moons. This year, there are four supermoons, with the first occurring on July 3 and the next one happening tonight, followed by another on August 31. Having two supermoons in one month is an especially rare occurrence. The last time this happened was in January 2018, and it won’t happen again until January 31, 2037.
The supermoon tonight will be approximately 222,158 miles from Earth, while the one on August 31 will be even closer at 222,043 miles. The fourth and final supermoon of the year will take place on September 29.
The moon’s color has no correlation with its monthly nickname, which dates back centuries. Each month’s full moon is given a nickname based on the time of year. In August, it is called the Sturgeon moon due to the abundance of sturgeons that were easily caught during this period. The moon can sometimes appear different colors or hues, depending on its position on the horizon and the presence of dust particles in the atmosphere.
In summary, tonight’s Sturgeon supermoon is a unique and rare event that skygazers won’t want to miss. Find a high vantage point away from light pollution, and if possible, head to areas with minimal cloud cover for the best viewing and photographic opportunities. Enjoy the breathtaking sight of the moon as it shines brighter and larger than ever.
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